Delhi Assembly Budget session: AAP MLAs stage walkout

On the first day of the budget session, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs staged a walkout from the Delhi Assembly, protesting Speaker Vijender Gupta’s decision to exclude one of their legislators from speaking under Rule 280, citing repetition of the issue.

Rule 280 allows MLAs to raise constituency-related concerns. However, when the Speaker bypassed an AAP legislator, opposition members, led by Leader of Opposition Atishi, objected strongly before exiting the Assembly in protest.

Calling the walkout a “strategic disruption,” Speaker Gupta warned AAP MLAs against provoking action. He also remarked, “The CAG report is about to be tabled soon. It seems the opposition isn’t comfortable with that.”

Later in the day, the BJP-led government is set to present the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC).

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who also handles the finance portfolio, will present the BJP government’s first budget in 26 years on Tuesday. The party regained power in Delhi last month after defeating AAP in the Assembly elections.

Also Read: Delhi Budget Session begins with ‘Kheer’ ceremony

The five-day budget session began in the morning with a ceremonial serving of “kheer.”

At the ceremony, Minister Kapil Mishra said the budget session holds a historical significance.

“Today, people from diverse backgrounds, including businessmen, auto drivers, Dalit brothers and sisters, will share ‘Kheer’ (pudding) together. The budget will be presented tomorrow,” he said.

BJP leader Satish Upadhyay extended his wishes the chief minister, and said budget represents a message of progress for Delhi. He emphasised that CM Gupta has engaged with a broad spectrum of people, from women and youths to business owners and residents of colonies, gathering suggestions to shape the budget.

“Sweetness symbolises progress. The CM is sending a message that Delhi’s development is on track. This budget reflects the voices of women, youngsters, businessmen and even colony residents, ensuring that their opinions are part of the process. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are committed to inclusive progress,” he said.

(With inputs from PTI)