Delhi Demands Fair Share: Minister Atishi's Call for Infrastructure Funding

Delhi Finance Minister Atishi has urged the Central Government to allocate Rs 10,000 crore to the city for infrastructure development. She highlighted the city's significant tax contributions, including Rs 2 lakh crore in income tax and Rs 25,000 crore in GST, yet received no return over the past year. Opposition from BJP leaders ensued.

Delhi Finance Minister Atishi on Friday demanded Rs 10,000 crore from the Centre for infrastructure development, citing the city's significant contributions in taxes.

Addressing a press conference, Atishi pointed out that despite Delhi providing Rs 2 lakh crore in income tax and Rs 25,000 crore in central GST, the city received nothing in return over the past year.

She emphasized that this allocation could enhance infrastructure in road, transport, and power sectors, and beautify the city. Atishi claimed that the residents of Delhi are the highest income tax payers and deserve a fair share from the Rs 2.07 lakh crore they contribute.

She further highlighted disparities, noting Mumbai's receipt of Rs 54,000 crore and Bengaluru's Rs 33,000 crore from the Centre, against their contributions.

BJP leaders, including MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and secretary Harish Khurana, countered her claims, asserting that the Centre spends substantial amounts annually on development in Delhi.

(With inputs from agencies.)