Centre Bore Expenses For Delhi G20 Preparations, AAP Govt Did Nothing: Union Minister Meenakashi Lekhi
Even though the G20 summit is less than a week away, the BJP and the AAP have been battling over money for the city's G20 makeover.
Union Minister Meenakashi Lekhi stated on Monday that the AAP administration achieved little for the development of Delhi during its nine-year tenure, and that the Centre bore practically all of the expenditures for the G20 Summit preparations in the city, news agency PTI reported. In an interview with PTI on Saturday, Delhi PWD Minister Atishi said that the Centre did not provide any funding for G20 preparations despite a request for Rs 927 crore.
She said: "We didn't make it an issue thinking it would reflect poorly on our country. The BJP and the L-G are saying they have done everything. This shows their arrogance."
Even though the G20 summit is less than a week away, the BJP and the AAP have been battling over money for the city's G20 makeover.
An estimated Rs 4,000 crore was spent on preparations by several agencies, including the Delhi Police, PWD, MCD, DDA, and NHAI, according to Lekhi, who, together with L-G V K Saxena, unveiled sculptures at an NDMC park in Chanakyapuri.
"The minister has made a statement that Rs 927 crore was demanded from the Centre by the Delhi government. I want to ask why did they need to demand Rs 927 crore given that PWD alone has a budget of Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore. Couldn't they have spent Rs 927 crore for developing Delhi?" the Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture was quoted by PTI in its report.
Saxena said efforts are being made to beautify Delhi which was "neglected" for long. "Winds of development are sweeping Delhi. Works are underway everywhere as part of efforts to make Delhi shine. The results are visible now," he told reporters.
Lekhi said: "If the AAP had really asked for Rs 927 crore from the Central government, then one is left wondering what would have been their contribution in G20 or towards nation-building? These are all lies. The AAP, with their history of scams, never had the intent for the development of the national capital." She said that the Central government provided Rs 700 crore for road building, repair, maintenance, and beautification in the national capital.
If AAP had really asked for 927 crores from Central Govt. then one is left wondering what would have been their contribution in G20 or towards nation-building? These are all lies.The AAP with their history of scams has never had the intent for the development of the national… https://t.co/SfK84Hic6N pic.twitter.com/RjIDXlorgv
— Meenakashi Lekhi (@M_Lekhi) September 4, 2023
"These central funds were used by PWD and MCD for the makeover. The work done by these agencies that they are quoting today was undertaken through the funds of the Central government. So it's evident that unless paid by the Centre, the Delhi government won't work. So, work is paid for and done by the Centre. A table is attached for all to see," Lekhi said.
She also shared a document revealing that the Centre and the Delhi government spent over Rs 4,000 crore on G20 Summit preparations.
According to Lekhi, individuals who accomplish nothing compete for credit.
"In the last nine years, they had the opportunity to improve Delhi. But they did nothing and now they are lying," she said.
Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said that his administration received no cash from the Centre for G20 Summit medical preparations.
"Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has directed that Delhi government fund be spent. We have no problem with it because it is a matter that concerns the country," Bharadwaj told PTI.
The Delhi government has prepared five hospitals, with rooms and beds set aside for emergencies, while doctors and paramedics will be stationed at hotels where delegates would stay around the clock.
Ambulances will follow carcades and will be stationed at critical spots, he added, describing the G20 Summit as a watershed occasion for the country.
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