BJP government is pushing Delhi into debt trap: Devender Yadav

Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Delhi government on Friday, accusing it of pushing the capital into a debt trap under the guise of development.

He demanded that the Delhi Government immediately make public all proposals submitted under the Centre’s S.A.S.S.I. (Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure) scheme.

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Alleging financial mismanagement, Yadav claimed that the much-publicised ₹1 lakh crore budget presented by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is now being exposed as largely dependent on loans and increased taxation.

“The truth behind the ₹1 lakh crore budget is beginning to emerge. Rekha Gupta’s government is running schemes on borrowed money in the name of development, with the support of the Modi government,” he said.

Yadav revealed that the Delhi government has submitted a loan proposal of ₹600 crore to the Centre for tourism-related projects under the S.A.S.S.I. scheme.

“Meanwhile, essential issues like housing for slum dwellers, access to clean drinking water, and a stable ration supply remain unresolved,” he pointed out.

The Congress leader warned that this mounting debt will ultimately burden Delhi’s citizens through higher taxes.

“Out of the ₹1 lakh crore budget, ₹15,000 crore is being raised through loans, and ₹9,950 crore through additional taxes. Yesterday’s meeting between Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and senior officials was part of a strategy to push Delhi further into debt,” he alleged.

Targeting the BJP’s elected representatives, Yadav said that despite being in power both at the Centre and in Delhi, BJP MPs have failed to secure any significant grants for the national capital.

“They talk about development, but what they have given is a burden in the form of loans and taxes,” he said.

Referring to the financial legacy of the previous AAP government, Yadav noted that Delhi is already reeling under a debt of ₹36,000 crore, while the Delhi Jal Board has accumulated ₹75,000 crore in dues, and the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) owes ₹65,000 crore.

“Instead of providing any relief, the Rekha Gupta government has only worsened the crisis,” he charged.

Yadav also criticised the Modi government’s overall economic policy, claiming that it has driven the country into a debt of over ₹200 lakh crore.

“Delhi is being run in the same manner — where public welfare is sidelined, and debt takes centre stage,” he remarked.