A heated clash unfolded in Delhi’s Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) tried to push through its civic budget on March 19, 2025. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, claimed they have the upper hand with more councilors, calling the budget process unfair. The session turned into a battleground, with shouting, table-climbing, and even torn papers, leaving the city’s financial plans in limbo.
A Budget Session Gone Wrong
The AAP, led by Mayor Mahesh Khichi, aimed to finalize the civic budget on the last day of the session. But things quickly spiraled out of control. BJP councilors disrupted the meeting, shouting slogans and climbing onto the mayor’s table. The Leader of the House, Mukesh Goyal, couldn’t even read the budget speech as BJP members tried to snatch the documents. In the end, Goyal asked the house to consider the budget tabled, but the BJP called it unconstitutional.
Why the Numbers Matter
The BJP gained an edge in the MCD after a wave of defections on February 15, following their big win in the Delhi Assembly elections. Now, the BJP has 116 councilors, while the AAP is down to 114, with Congress holding eight seats. This shift has made the AAP a minority in the house, fueling the BJP’s argument that the budget process isn’t valid.
Allegations Fly on Both Sides
The session wasn’t just about numbers—it got personal. The AAP accused BJP councilors of attacking Mayor Mahesh Khichi, who is a Dalit, and raised slogans against the alleged assault. The BJP hit back, saying AAP members started the scuffle. Meanwhile, Singh slammed the AAP’s governance, pointing to unfulfilled promises like better sanitation and less corruption.
What’s Next for Delhi?
The messy session has left the civic budget in doubt, with the BJP vowing to challenge its legality. The AAP insists they followed the rules, but with civic polls coming up next month, the political drama is far from over. For now, Delhi’s residents are left wondering how this standoff will affect the city’s funds and services, as both parties dig in for a bigger fight ahead.
