Delhi Budget 2025: CM Rekha Gupta unveils Rs 1 lakh crore budget, criticizes AAP for ‘deceiving the public’

In a highly anticipated move, Delhi’s Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, presented the Delhi Budget for 2025, totaling a massive Rs 1 lakh crore. The budget, which aims to address the city’s growing infrastructure needs, healthcare, education, and urban development, has sparked political debates, with Gupta using the platform to launch a sharp criticism of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), accusing them of “deceiving the public” with false promises and inadequate policies.

A Landmark Budget for Delhi’s Future

The Rs 1 lakh crore budget presented by CM Rekha Gupta is being hailed as one of the most ambitious financial plans in Delhi’s recent history. In her speech, Gupta emphasized that the primary focus of the budget is to boost the city’s infrastructure, enhance public health and education systems, and support economic growth in both urban and rural areas. The budget includes significant allocations for improving roadways, expanding public transport, and upgrading critical infrastructure such as sanitation and water supply systems.

One of the key components of the budget is the allocation of Rs 10,000 crore for the development of smart city projects across Delhi. This includes the installation of smart traffic management systems, high-tech surveillance, and the development of eco-friendly public spaces. Gupta also highlighted that the government is set to invest heavily in renewable energy sources, aiming to make Delhi one of the most sustainable cities in the country.

In the healthcare sector, a whopping Rs 15,000 crore has been earmarked to build new hospitals, enhance medical facilities, and increase the availability of essential medicines. Additionally, a significant portion of the budget will be directed towards upgrading the education infrastructure, focusing on the creation of new schools, digital classrooms, and improved training for teachers. Gupta emphasized that a well-educated and healthy population is the foundation of a prosperous Delhi.

Criticism of AAP’s Governance

While the budget presentation was meant to set the tone for the city’s future, CM Rekha Gupta’s speech also took a direct jibe at the ruling AAP, accusing them of misleading the people of Delhi. Gupta alleged that AAP, led by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, had failed to deliver on several key promises made in previous years, particularly in the areas of healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.

“AAP has been fooling the people of Delhi for years with hollow promises and unrealistic schemes. Despite all the claims of providing world-class services, the reality is far from what was promised. The people of Delhi have been misled, and it is time they get the leadership they deserve,” Gupta said during her address.

Gupta’s criticism centered on AAP’s claims of improving Delhi’s healthcare system and the education sector, which, according to her, had not seen the transformative change promised by Kejriwal and his party. She pointed to the growing waiting lists in hospitals, the lack of new school buildings, and the deteriorating quality of education in public institutions.

“Despite the lavish promises of free electricity, free water, and world-class healthcare, the reality is that these promises have led to poor service delivery, resulting in the worsening of public infrastructure. People are suffering because of the AAP government’s inability to deliver on their commitments,” Gupta claimed.

Economic Growth and Job Creation

In terms of economic policy, CM Rekha Gupta emphasized that the Delhi government’s budget would focus heavily on job creation and supporting local businesses. With the Indian economy facing turbulence due to global factors, Gupta acknowledged the need for urgent steps to ensure that Delhi remains an attractive hub for business investments.

The government has earmarked Rs 5,000 crore for the establishment of a new “Delhi Jobs and Entrepreneurship Hub,” which aims to connect job seekers with employers in the tech, service, and manufacturing sectors. This initiative is expected to boost employment opportunities, particularly for Delhi’s youth.

Additionally, a new incentive scheme for local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will be launched, offering tax breaks, grants, and low-interest loans to foster entrepreneurship. Gupta asserted that fostering a conducive environment for businesses would not only create jobs but also attract further investments into the city.

AAP’s Response

As expected, the AAP government has vehemently rejected Gupta’s criticisms, calling them baseless and politically motivated. AAP leaders, including Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, have responded by defending the party’s record in improving education and healthcare, particularly highlighting the reforms in Delhi’s government schools and the expansion of Mohalla Clinics.

“We are proud of what we’ve achieved in Delhi in the last few years. The people of Delhi know the truth, and they can see the progress in schools, hospitals, and public services. This budget is nothing but a political stunt by the BJP,” Kejriwal said in a statement, further accusing the BJP of using the budget to divert attention from its own shortcomings.

Conclusion: A New Vision for Delhi

Despite the political sparring between the BJP and AAP, Delhi’s 2025 budget marks a critical moment in the city’s evolution. With substantial investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and job creation, CM Rekha Gupta’s budget aims to take Delhi towards a sustainable and prosperous future. Whether this ambitious plan will deliver on its promises remains to be seen, but it certainly sets the stage for a broader debate on the direction in which Delhi’s leadership will move in the coming years.

As the city moves forward, the competition between the BJP and AAP will undoubtedly intensify, with both parties keen to prove their credentials as the true champions of Delhi’s future.