Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday presented a comprehensive roadmap for the national capital's development while delivering a strong political critique of the opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Addressing the Delhi Legislative Assembly on the final day of its extended winter session, Gupta outlined key priorities spanning infrastructure, healthcare, environmental cleanup, and finance.
Key Governance Priorities and Development Pledges
Gupta began her address by emphasizing her administration's commitment to planned and systematic development. She assured the House that every promise made in her party's manifesto would be fulfilled. A major focus is on city infrastructure, with the CM declaring that Delhi's roads would undergo comprehensive "wall to wall" repairs executed in a phased manner.
On the pressing issue of pollution, Gupta labeled it a critical challenge for Delhi. She detailed ongoing efforts to address the Yamuna river crisis, stating that work is actively underway to treat drains flowing into the river and to upgrade the sewage system. In healthcare, the government is committed to completing 1,100 Arogya Mandirs across the city, and has already recruited new nursing staff to bolster the system.
Financial Muscle and Green Mobility Push
In a significant financial announcement, the Chief Minister revealed that the Delhi government has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The central bank will now act as the government's official banking and financial agent. This partnership aims to help Delhi secure low-interest loans from the market for capital expenditure.
"Now, no work in Delhi will be stalled due to a shortage of budget," Gupta asserted. She added that the RBI will also manage the government's surplus funds, disclosing that Rs 15,000 crore has already been credited to a public account for state capital expenditure.
Highlighting a shift towards sustainable transport, Gupta underscored the goal to transition public transport entirely to electric vehicles. She reported steady progress in increasing the fleet of electric buses in the city, aligning with the broader clean mobility agenda.
Political Fireworks: Sharp Attack on AAP
The Chief Minister's address took a decidedly political turn as she launched a pointed attack on the Aam Aadmi Party. Gupta alleged that the AAP is uncomfortable with a woman leading the state. She accused its leaders of selectively editing her speeches and circulating misleading videos to distort her message.
Drawing a distinction, Gupta stated there is a clear difference between an inadvertent verbal slip and deliberately making false statements in public. She further escalated her criticism by alleging that past controversial actions and remarks by AAP leaders, including comments made within the Assembly and alleged insults to Sikh Gurus, were conscious acts and not mistakes.
These remarks capped a winter session that saw disruptions, leading to a one-day extension, following alleged comments by AAP leader and former Chief Minister Atishi Marlena.
