NEW DELHI: The commencement of the budget session in the Delhi Assembly was marked by a dramatic walkout by AAP MLAs in protest of Speaker Vijender Gupta’s decision to omit the name of one of its legislators during a discussion under Rule 280, citing repetition of the matter.
Rule 280 grants MLAs the opportunity to address issues concerning their respective constituencies. However, when the speaker overlooked an AAP legislator, the party’s remaining MLAs, led by Leader of Opposition Atishi, voiced their dissent before exiting the Assembly.
The speaker characterized the AAP MLAs’ actions as a strategic disruption and cautioned the opposition members against compelling him to take action. He also hinted at the imminent tabling of the CAG report, stating, “In some time, the CAG report is about to be tabled. I think the opposition doesn’t like that.” The BJP-led government is scheduled to present the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) later in the day.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who also serves as the finance minister, is slated to introduce the first budget of the BJP government in over 26 years on Tuesday. The BJP reclaimed power in Delhi last month after triumphing over AAP in the Assembly elections.
The five-day budget session commenced with a traditional kheer ceremony in the morning, symbolizing the initiation of crucial discussions and decisions that will shape the future of Delhi.
