East Delhi | Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

A fierce political confrontation has erupted over the Delhi government’s recent budget, with Congress youth leader Parmanand Sharma launching a scathing attack against Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.


While the government has projected the budget as a vision for a “Healthy and Smart Delhi,” Sharma dismissed it as a “misleading document aimed at confusing the public,” alleging that the administration is completely disconnected from ground realities.


Health Claims Questioned, Ground Reality Challenged
Reacting to the government’s emphasis on healthcare investment and initiatives like free genetic screening for newborns, Parmanand Sharma termed these measures as “mere paperwork.”
Lack of basic diagnostic facilities in government hospitals
Advanced services like MRI and CT scans remain inaccessible to the common public
Patients forced to turn to expensive private healthcare
He alleged, “The healthcare system being praised by the government is one where patients are forced to run from pillar to post for treatment.”


Serious Concerns Over Education Sector
Despite record budget allocation for education, Sharma accused the government of failing to deliver real change on the ground.
Shortage of essential resources in schools
Limited reach of technical education initiatives
Growing dissatisfaction among students and parents
According to him, “The government talks about an education revolution, but students are still struggling for basic facilities.”


Infrastructure: Claims vs Reality
The government’s push for infrastructure development also came under criticism.
Poor condition of roads
Persistent traffic congestion and mismanagement
Livelihood crisis for street vendors and small traders
Sharma stated, “In the name of making the city ‘smart,’ small vendors are being displaced, pushing their families towards hunger and uncertainty.”


Citizens Hit by Inflation and Unemployment
Targeting the central government led by Narendra Modi, Sharma highlighted the broader economic distress faced by citizens.
Economic slowdown post demonetisation and COVID-19
Rising inflation hitting household budgets
Essential items, including LPG cylinders, becoming unaffordable
He remarked, “Today, poor labourers are unable to light their kitchen stoves, while the government continues to make hollow claims of development.”
Corruption Allegations in Municipal Corporation of Delhi
Sharma also raised serious allegations regarding corruption within the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.
Bribery charges across multiple departments
Citizens facing hurdles even for basic services


Lack of administrative transparency
He asserted, “From the municipal corporation to the Delhi government, corruption has eroded public trust.”
Political Heat Intensifies
While the Delhi government continues to defend the budget as historic and people-centric, the opposition has branded it as “anti-people and deceptive.”
Experts suggest that the real impact of the budget will only be evident in its implementation, but for now, the political rhetoric has significantly intensified.
The Delhi budget has clearly become a battleground between the government and the opposition.
The sharp remarks by Parmanand Sharma signal that the political discourse around governance, development, and public welfare is set to intensify in the coming days.