New Delhi: Politics in the capital heated up as Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presented the budget in the Delhi Legislative Assembly. While the government is touting its budget as development-oriented and pro-people, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) staged a protest outside the Assembly premises, terming it “bogus” and a “betrayal of the public.” The protest was led by Leader of the Opposition Atishi, who leveled several serious allegations against the BJP government.
Even as the budget was being presented, AAP MLAs and party workers organized a rally outside the Assembly and raised vociferous slogans against the BJP government. A large number of party supporters joined the demonstration, accusing the government of engaging in the “politics of lies and deceit.”
**A “Bogus Budget” of One Lakh Crore: Major Allegation Against the Government**
Targeting the BJP, Atishi stated that just a year ago, a “bogus budget” worth one lakh crore rupees was presented in this very Assembly. She alleged that despite having such a massive budget, the government has completely failed to provide even basic amenities to the residents of Delhi. She asserted that had the budget been realistic and implemented effectively, the state of disaster management and infrastructure in the capital would not be in such a dismal condition today.
**Attack on the Government Over the Palam Fire Tragedy**
Atishi prominently raised the issue of the recent fire tragedy in Palam. She pointed out that nine people lost their lives in this harrowing incident—lives that could have been saved. She alleged that the Fire Brigade lacked adequate resources; specifically, they possessed neither a functional ladder nor the necessary equipment. She argued that had there been even a single functional ladder available at the scene, many lives could have been spared. Atishi also recounted the heart-wrenching scene where a family, in a desperate attempt to save their young child, tried to lower the infant from the third floor—only for the child to perish. She remarked that while this incident shook the entire nation, the government has failed to learn any lessons from it. **Inhumane Treatment of Victim Families**
Atishi accused the BJP government of failing to demonstrate any sensitivity towards the victim families. She stated that, instead of delivering justice to families steeped in grief, attempts are being made to cast the blame upon them. Atishi further noted that incidents involving mistreatment and coercion have even surfaced during the condolence meetings held by the victim families—actions that stand in direct opposition to both democratic norms and human values.
**Allegations of Silencing the Opposition**
Atishi also alleged that the voice of the opposition is being stifled within the Legislative Assembly. She stated that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs are being expelled from the House one by one to prevent the “truth” about the government from reaching the public. She raised the question as to why there is talk of expelling AAP MLAs Sanjeev Jha, Kuldeep Kumar, Jarnail Singh, and Somdutt. She asserted that the government’s policies can only be effectively scrutinized when the opposition is present in the House in full force.
**Questions Raised Regarding the Fire Department and the Minister**
Atishi also raised serious questions regarding the functioning of the Fire Department. Taking aim at the concerned Minister, she stated that had he possessed even a shred of moral integrity, he would have tendered his resignation immediately following the Palam fire tragedy. She alleged that the department possesses neither adequate equipment nor the necessary preparedness to handle emergency situations.
**The Battle Will Continue—From the Streets to the House**
Atishi declared that if she is denied the opportunity to speak within the Legislative Assembly, she will take to the streets to amplify the voice of the people. She stated, “You may expel us from the House, but we will continue to serve as the voice of the people of Delhi on the streets. We will, under any circumstances, expose the BJP’s lies and deceit before the public.”
