The upcoming session of the Delhi Assembly, set to begin on Monday, February 24, is expected to be a tense one, marked by political maneuvering and promises yet to be fulfilled. The 14 pending Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports on the previous AAP government will be tabled, and this comes at a pivotal moment when the BJP and AAP are adjusting to a shift in power dynamics.
On the first day, newly elected MLAs will be sworn in, and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will propose the election of BJP leader Vijender Gupta as the Speaker. The BJP, holding 48 seats in the 70-member House, is likely to elect Mohan Singh Bisht as Deputy Speaker. However, the real drama will unfold on the second day, when Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena addresses the House, and the pending CAG reports are presented. This will trigger heated debates, especially with AAP’s Atishi leading the charge as the Leader of Opposition. Atishi, the lone AAP candidate to retain her seat in the recent elections, is expected to hold the BJP accountable.
This session marks a historic first in Indian politics, as both the Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition are women. The proceedings will also see the election of the Deputy Speaker, and a motion of thanks to the Lt Governor will be tabled.
One of the central points of contention will be the BJP’s promise of Rs 2,500 financial aid for Delhi women, a commitment that AAP has been pushing for since Rekha Gupta’s swearing-in as CM. The AAP has accused the BJP of stalling on its promise, while Gupta claims the previous AAP government left the state’s finances in a dismal state. Gupta insists the exchequer is nearly empty, a claim that Atishi quickly countered, stating that AAP handed over a “fiscally strong” government to the BJP. She reminded Gupta that the AAP government grew the budget from Rs 30,000 crore in 2015 to Rs 70,000 crore in 2025.
As the BJP returns to power after a 27-year gap, with AAP settling for a mere 22 seats, the stage is set for a showdown. While Gupta focuses on delivering on promises, Atishi demands accountability. The session promises to be a significant test for both parties as they navigate shifting political landscapes and the pressure to fulfill electoral guarantees.
