BJP terms budget allocation for Delhi as meagre

New Delhi, Mar 1 (UNI) Delhi BJP President Harsh Vardhan today termed the budget allocation for Delhi as a ''drop in the ocean,'' and blamed Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit for it.

He said that the Chief Minister had requested for only Rs 1240.02 crores from the Central Government whereas the capital needs at least Rs 45000 crore for providing sewer system for the 1600 unauthorised colonies and 364 villages of Delhi.

Criticising the ''lack of farsightedness'' of the Chief Minister, he said,''Even after ruling for ten years she does not know even the a,b,c,d of Delhi. By making false announcements every day she is trying to befool the people.'' Dr Harsh Vardhan said that Rs 1500 crores have been allotted in the budget for Delhi Metro Rail. ''Out of it. Rs 900 crore will be spent on the repayment of loan to Japan. Only Rs 600 crores shall be available for the extension of Metro Rail. It will hinder the progress of Metro,'' he pointed out.

''While Rs 634 crores have been allotted for the 15-day long Commonwealth Games, Rs 1060 crores was given for the development of NCR. This showed what the Government's priorities were.'' He said that the people of Delhi should pressurise Chief Minister to meet the Finance Minister with an all-party delegation immediately to get sufficient allotment of funds for Delhi.

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