‘Sheesh Mahal’, Yamuna, poor state of city: Delhi CM’s two-hour Budget speech targets AAP

Intensifying her attack, she said, “While you built a Sheesh Mahal, we are constructing homes for the poor slum dwellers you neglected. You spent Rs 1 lakh on a toilet pot, but we will build thousands of toilets for the slum dwellers… You spent government money for your own welfare but we will use it for the welfare of people and the city.”

While announcing new plans for the Tourism sector, the CM also took a jibe at the Opposition AAP MLAs and said, “We will include the Sheesh Mahal and give a tour to the public with tickets as part of the proposed new tourist circuit…”

The government proposed to develop a new tourist circuit covering the War Memorial, Kartavya Path, Prime Minister Museum, the new Parliament House, and Bharat Mandapam.

The BJP, which regained power in Delhi after 26 years, had centered its election campaign around allegations of corruption to target AAP and Kejriwal, especially the alleged extravagant remodelling and renovation of the Flag Staff Road bungalow.

BJP leaders on several occasions had said the house would be converted into a “museum of corruption” or a state guest house.

In her Budget speech, Gupta announced that the government has plans to construct a state guest house for Delhi. “It is a matter of great shame that Delhi does not have a state guest house to date, which is essential for the prestige of any state. We will soon build a magnificent state guest house in Delhi,” she said.

Besides, the CM also accused the previous AAP government of “severely undermining the economy of Delhi” and leaving departments like the Delhi Jal Board and Delhi Transport Corporation in losses. “In the last 10 years, Delhi has been continuously slipping down every scale of development. Rickety roads, polluted Yamuna, overflowing sewers, pathetic condition of health facilities and horrific stifling air due to air pollution — all this is clear evidence of the governance and policies of the previous government,” she said.

She also accused the AAP of turning the Yamuna into “a filthy river”. “The indifference of previous governments did not quench the thirst of Delhi but deepened the water crisis. Vows were taken to save Yamuna,” she said.

Kejriwal, in the run-up to the Assembly polls, promised that he would clean the river in five years and that he would take a dip in it. This was also part of the BJP’s poll campaign.

Responding to the ruling party on their continuing critique, Leader of Opposition and senior AAP Atishi leader said, “The BJP seems to have forgotten that elections are over and they have already won. The people of Delhi expect work, not rhetoric. It’s time to stop the ‘jumla-baazi’ and present a real plan for the city.”