The BJP ruled Delhi Government will present a ‘white paper’ on the tenure of the 10 years rule of the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in the national capital. As the five-day Budget session of the Delhi Assembly began on Monday with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta starting a new tradition of ‘Kheer’ ceremony for the first time in the Vidhan Sabha ahead of the Budget.
Leader of Opposition (LoP) and former Chief Minister Atishi criticised the BJP-led Delhi government for not presenting the Economic Survey ahead of the Budget. “Delhi’s Budget cannot be formed by making ‘Kheer’, but on the figures of the economy,” she said, taking a jibe at the BJP’s “Kheer” ceremony that marked the start of the Budget Session.
Replying to the Rule under 280 in Delhi Assembly related to a query of Economic Survey of Delhi, the Chief Minister announced on Monday that her government will present a “white paper” on the tenure of the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) regime in the national capital. She also stated that the economic survey would be tabled soon as audits in various departments were still ongoing.
“A comprehensive survey of all sectors is underway and all Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit reports are coming to light. There should be no haste in presenting the Economic Survey without completing this process. This work will be completed soon,” she assured during the session. Delhi Minister for Food & Supplies, Industry, Forest & Environment, Manjinder Singh Sirsa said, “They (AAP) have looted everything, and that’s why a white paper should be presented over whatever they have done”.
Atishi, also the MLA from Kalkaji, questioned the government’s ability to prepare a budget without a detailed financial review. “In Parliament, an Economic Survey is always presented before the Budget, providing key data on a state or country’s financial health. This has been the practice in Delhi as well. How can a Budget be prepared without an Economic Survey? I have not seen this happen in the past ten years,” she said at a press conference. The AAP leader dismissed the government’s justification.
“The Chief Minister said the Economic Survey is delayed due to pending CAG reports, but there is no connection between the two. They are hiding the survey. Has the CM even read it?” she asked. Earlier, taking part in the ‘Kheer’ ceremony on Delhi Assembly premises, she said for the first time in the Delhi Assembly’s history, such a ceremony was held ahead of the Budget presentation.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP is presenting the Delhi budget after 27 years. Just as Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, we are returning after 27 years. To mark this occasion, we offered ‘Kheer’ to Lord Ram, symbolising the sweetness of Delhi’s development,” the CM added.
She also said that all sections of the society were invited to take the prasad. “The previous government created bitterness by fostering conflict between the Central and Delhi governments. This budget, under the double-engine government, will pave the way for a new chapter of development in Delhi. We will work alongside the Central government to address every pain and problem Delhi faces.” Delhi will taste the sweet flavour of development under PM Modi’s leadership, Gupta added.
The Delhi government has invited auto drivers, traders, doctors, teachers, lawyers and shopkeepers at the Vidhan Sabha to join the ‘Kheer’ ceremony.BJP leaders stirred Kheer in a large Kadhai, signifying unity and collective efforts for Delhi’s development and economic strength. The Chief Minister fed Kheer to all invitees on this occasion. Thanking everyone who contributed to the Budget, she said, “A big congratulations to all the leaders, ministers, MLAs, and people who gave their suggestions, as well as our leadership under which we have crafted this Budget.”
She further added, “For the first time, such a ceremony has been held in Delhi. Kheer ki mithas se Budget. It has been offered to Lord Ram and will now be served to the people who contributed their suggestions.”
The ceremonies aimed to spread a message of inclusivity, reinforcing BJP’s commitment to progress with inputs from diverse communities. The Kheer ceremony is a traditional way to begin important events with something sweet, reflecting harmony and prosperity. Kheer is often associated with purity and auspiciousness. In many Hindu households, it is considered essential to prepare Kheer during festivals and religious ceremonies. The ingredients used in Kheer - milk, rice, sugar, and sometimes saffron and cardamom - are all considered pure and holy in the Hindu tradition.
Kapil Mishra, a minister in the Delhi government, said the budget session holds a historical significance. “Today, people from diverse backgrounds, including businessmen, auto rickshaw drivers, and 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 PM Modi, we are committed to inclusive progress,” he said.
