AAP Demands Centre's Grant for MCD to Improve Delhi's Infrastructure

AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj demanded a Rs 5,243 crore grant from the Centre for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, based on the city's urban population. He emphasized that this funding is essential for upgrading road and drainage infrastructure.

Saurabh Bharadwaj, a leader from the Aam Aadmi Party and Delhi's Urban Development Minister, stated on Thursday that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is owed Rs 5,243 crore from the Centre. This amount, he argued, is due based on Delhi's urban population and would help improve infrastructure, particularly roads and drainage systems.

During a press conference, Bharadwaj highlighted that urban local bodies across various states receive grants from the Centre based on population figures from the 2011 census. He pointed out that cities like Pune, Bhopal, Ahmedabad, and Chandigarh receive similar grants, and hence, MCD should not be an exception.

Addressing the issue, the minister criticized the Centre for not fulfilling its promises, mentioning that despite making grand statements about Delhi being the nation's capital, it has not provided the requisite funds. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to allocate the pending grant to Delhi to facilitate necessary infrastructural improvements. Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi also echoed these demands, stressing the urgent need for a budget to overhaul the city's drainage system.

(With inputs from agencies.)