The AAP-led Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) government created history on Wednesday by regularising 12,000 contractual employees, fulfilling a major electoral promise. Delhi Mayor Mahesh Kumar Khichi announced a budget allocation of ₹800 crore for their salaries, marking a significant step in providing stability to MCD workers.
However, the session was marred by chaos and physical altercations, with AAP accusing the BJP of obstructing proceedings. Mayor Khichi alleged that the BJP could not digest a Dalit mayor’s leadership, turning the MCD House into a battleground. He claimed that AAP councillors sustained injuries due to unruly behavior by BJP members.
“For the past two years, the BJP has deliberately obstructed the smooth functioning of the House,” Khichi stated. Leader of the House Mukesh Goel echoed the allegations, blaming the BJP for creating unnecessary disruptions. Despite this, AAP passed the revised budget for 2024-25 and the budget estimates for 2025-26, with key allocations aimed at public welfare.
The budget includes ₹1 crore for street lights and high-mast lights, ₹50 lakh for Chhath Puja, and ₹25 lakh for women’s toilets, all approved under a cut motion proposed by Leader of Opposition Raja Iqbal Singh, which AAP accepted. Goel also announced that development funds per ward have been increased from ₹75 lakh to ₹1.55 crore, ensuring more resources for local projects.
Highlighting AAP’s governance in MCD, Goel stated that the party cleared salary and pension backlogs left by the BJP’s decade-long rule, ensuring that employees receive timely payments. “During BJP’s tenure, workers were unpaid for months, leading to frequent strikes. Under AAP, we have put an end to this crisis,” he asserted.
