New Delhi: Rekha Gupta on Friday launched a sharp attack on the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, alleging that it left the national capital with a debt burden of ₹47,000 crore.
Addressing the Assembly on the final day of the Budget session, Gupta said her administration inherited significant liabilities, with ₹27,547 crore still outstanding. “We are working towards managing these liabilities while ensuring complete transparency,” she stated.
Earlier in the week, Gupta had presented a ₹1,03,700 crore Budget for 2026–27, focusing on key sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, green initiatives, and social welfare. The Budget was approved by the Delhi Assembly on Friday.
She emphasised that Delhi is entering a new phase of governance driven by results rather than “excuses”. “This is a new government with a new approach. Our focus will be on delivery,” Gupta said, describing the Budget as development-oriented with the highest-ever capital expenditure aimed at tangible outcomes.
Criticising the opposition, Gupta accused AAP legislators of disrupting Assembly proceedings. “They were given full opportunity to speak in the House but chose to protest outside instead,” she said, alleging that the opposition raised misleading issues due to a lack of substantial arguments.
On borrowing, Gupta noted that her government has utilised only 1.17% of the permitted 3% of GSDP, at an interest rate of 7.4%.
She also highlighted pending financial obligations, including ₹3,700 crore in expressway dues, ₹9,087 crore for metro projects, over ₹2,000 crore in hospital works, and ₹1,031 crore linked to DMRC-PWD projects. Several school and hospital projects, she said, remain incomplete.
Gupta added that her government has cleared dues related to sportspersons, scholarships, and welfare schemes, including ₹114 crore for SC/ST/OBC students and ₹538 crore for government colleges.
Alleging financial mismanagement by the previous administration, she cited losses of ₹99,000 crore in DTC and a ₹91,000 crore deficit in the Delhi Jal Board, along with claims of inflated billing practices.
Highlighting reforms, Gupta said the CM Pragati Portal has been launched to monitor project implementation. Major initiatives include a ₹5,000 crore elevated road along the Munak canal, metro expansion, promotion of electric vehicles, and the declaration of 4,200 hectares of ridge land as forest.
“Every rupee will be accounted for, and every pending project will be completed,” she said, adding that Delhi will now witness “transformation rather than confrontation”.
Referring to global economic challenges, Gupta said the Centre is taking steps to ensure fuel supply stability and protect citizens from additional financial burden.
