The Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) budget is scheduled for passage in the House today, but political dynamics may lead to a contentious process.
New Delhi: The Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) budget will be presented for passage in the House today, but the process could be fraught with conflict due to political equations. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), lacking a majority, may face stiff opposition, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) could complicate the process by demanding a vote.
Difficult for AAP
Currently, AAP has 113 councilors in the Municipal Corporation House, while the BJP enjoys the support of 117 councilors. The Congress has only 8 councilors, further complicating the situation. The BJP has submitted 23 proposed amendments to the budget, while AAP has presented 10. BJP leader and former MCD Building Committee Chairman Jagdish Mamgain claims that the AAP government is presenting a token proposal to regularize employees, a measure that should have been implemented earlier. He believes that the BJP is likely to take control of the corporation in the coming months and that AAP is attempting to politically capitalize on this issue.
Questions Raised on Mayor's Discretionary Fund
A proposal to increase the Mayor's discretionary fund to ₹500 crore has also sparked controversy. While this fund was previously used for maintaining parks, lanes, and roads, concerns have been raised about placing it under the Mayor's control. Officials have also expressed apprehension about this decision. According to political analysts, if the BJP manages to maintain unity among its councilors and also secures Congress support, it could prove a majority in the corporation. This could increase the challenges faced by the AAP government, making the passage of its proposals a difficult task.
Delhi Municipal Corporation Commissioner Ashwini Kumar presented a ₹17,000 crore budget on February 13, which was debated for two days. A final decision will be taken today. There is potential for uproar in the House, as the BJP may demand amendments and a vote on the budget proposals.
