Ruckus in MCD House: Chaos erupted in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) House today (March 19) during the last day of the budget session, as AAP and BJP councillors engaged in heated exchanges, drawing the mayor's rebuke. AAP and BJP councillors stood on tables and chairs and raised slogans against each other. The Congress councillors also held a protest with posters that read, 'Constitution is our identity, stop killing the Constitution'.
Notably, the House had convened today to finalise the budget for 2024-25 and the next financial year, 2025-26.
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Councillors tore agenda papers, climbed onto tables, and raised slogans, plunging the House into chaos. Torn documents were waved in the air as shouting disrupted the proceedings, eventually forcing an adjournment of the House.
BJP councillors snatched mic: MCD Mayor
MCD Mayor Mahesh Khichi alleged that BJP councillors snatched the mic from him during the session. He stated that despite it being the final day of the budget session, the opposition remained uncooperative and deliberately disrupted the proceedings.
During a press conference, Khichi alleged, "Opposition councilors stood on the table and tore up the list of key points that were to be discussed in the House."
He claimed that for the past two years, the opposition has continuously disrupted House proceedings, preventing discussions from taking place. "They did the same this time as well," he added.
"This kind of behaviour towards a Dalit Mayor is inappropriate and goes against the Constitution," Khichi said.
MCD House clears key proposals, rejects Bhalswa dairy conversion
Earlier on Monday, MCD had approved key proposals to fast-track road development projects in South Delhi, clear pending payments for feeding cattle in four cow shelters and hire additional manpower for the Horticulture Department.
The House granted administrative approval and expenditure sanction for releasing payments towards feeding charges for cattle housed in four Gaushalas/Gausadans managed by the MCD, covering pending liabilities and anticipated expenses for the current financial year 2024-25.
The proposal includes a total amount of Rs 48,89,67,720 to cover feeding costs, including pending dues and expected expenses until March 2025.
A budget allocation of Rs 35 crore has been earmarked under the 2024-25 financial year to meet this expenditure. Payments will be made to the four Gaushalas/Gausadans on a pro-rata basis from the allocated Rs 35 crore this year.
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