Delhi's Tax Troubles: AAP vs. BJP Over Budget Allocation

Delhi Finance Minister Atishi criticized the ruling BJP for unfair budget allocation to the city, highlighting that despite Delhi's residents contributing Rs 2.12 lakh crore in income tax for 2022-23, the Centre only allocated Rs 1,168 crore in the following year, which is less than 0.4% of the tax paid.

Delhi Finance Minister Atishi on Thursday lambasted the ruling BJP over the budget allocation for the city, alleging that residents of the national capital are unjustly treated despite contributing their hard-earned money in the form of income tax to the central government.

During a press briefing, Atishi revealed that in the 2022-23 fiscal year, Delhi residents paid Rs 2.12 lakh crore in income tax. However, for the next financial year, the Centre only disbursed Rs 1,168 crore to the city, which is a mere 0.4% of the tax paid.

“The BJP accused AAP leaders of lying, but Delhi is experiencing a sort of colonialism from the BJP-led Centre, receiving only Rs 7,534 crore out of Rs 15.59 lakh crore collected in taxes over the past decade. Is this not an act of injustice?” Atishi questioned.

The Union budget for 2024-25, presented in the Lok Sabha, allocated Rs 1,168 crore for the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD), similar to the previous year. The funds comprised Rs 1,168 crore under the revenue head and Rs 0.01 crore under the capital head.

While the 2022-23 budget initially earmarked Rs 960 crore for Delhi, the amount was later revised to Rs 1,168.01 crore in 2023-24, and remains unchanged for 2024-25.