Budget discussions curtailed to avoid scrutiny: Ex-CM Atishi

Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Delhi Assembly Atishi criticised the BJP-led state government for what she termed was a deliberate attempt to curtail discussions on the state’s Budget 2025-26 on Wednesday.

In a letter addressed to Speaker Vijender Gupta, she questioned why only an hour was allocated for deliberations on the financial blueprint and why the government failed to present the Economic Survey.

“Will an Assembly of 70 MLAs spend just an hour discussing the Annual Budget, sandwiched between five other agenda items,” Atishi questioned.

She also raised doubts about the credibility of the Budget 2025-26, asking whether its revenue projections were fictitious and if that was the reason behind the government’s reluctance to allow a thorough debate.

“The Annual Budget estimate for 2025-26 was laid down before the Delhi Assembly yesterday by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Being an experienced legislator and even more experienced public representative, you are well aware that the annual Budget estimate is the most important document to be laid before any Assembly,” Atishi wrote in her letter.

“Legislators from both sides of the aisle present their views, and the Finance Minister responds to all issues before the Budget is finally passed by the Assembly. Not only is this discussion and debate important for the legislators, it is closely watched by the voters of Delhi and people across the country,” she added.

Atishi accused the government of attempting to suppress scrutiny of the Budget.

“It almost seems that the government wants to avoid a detailed discussion on the Budget. This is deeply worrying. First, the government has gone against all parliamentary precedents and not tabled the Economic Survey before the Budget. And now, the discussion on Budget is being sandwiched between so many other issues,” she said.

Atishi called upon the Speaker to uphold parliamentary norms. “It is your responsibility to ensure the sanctity of parliamentary procedures and ethos. It is requested that the next two days should be devoted solely to discussions on the Budget. The remaining discussion and business can be kept on March 28 or the session may be extended by a day, if needed,” she urged.