Arvind Kejriwal calls 2018 Budget ‘disappointing’, says Centre treating people of Delhi as second-class citizens

New Delhi: Expressing disappointment over the Union Budget 2017-18, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday alleged that the Centre was “continuing” with its “step- motherly” treatment to Delhi. Kejriwal said he had expected some financial assistance for important infrastructure projects for the national capital. [caption id=“attachment_4313941” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  File image of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. PTI[/caption] His deputy Manish Sisodia also expressed unhappiness over Delhi’s share in central taxes and duties remaining unchanged, saying the BJP-led Centre treats Delhi residents as “second-grade citizens”. Sisodia said that no plans or schemes have been announced for Delhi Police while the AAP government’s demand for special package for 2,000 electric buses to combat air pollution has also not been addressed. He said that land in Delhi comes under the Centre, but despite this, no plans have been announced for regularisation of unauthorised colonies and giving more land to Delhi government to build clinics, schools, hospitals and bus depots. The Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government has been demanding that the share in central taxes and duties for the city should be increased. “I had expected some financial assistance to important infrastructure projects for the nation national capital. Am disappointed that the Centre continues its step-motherly treatment to Delhi,” Kejriwal tweeted. Sisodia, who also holds the finance portfolio, hit out at the central government, saying it does not care for Delhi. “Disappointing #Budget2018. Not a single extra rupee increased in Delhi’s share in Central taxes since 2001-02, stays at Rs325 crore. No other part of India gets such treatment (sic),” he said in a series of tweets. “Delhi police comes under Centre. Yet no plans or schemes announced to tackle crime and issues of women safety that have made Delhi the crime capital of India. Highly disappointing #Budget2018! (sic).” According to the government, Delhi’s share in central taxes has been kept at Rs325 crore, static since 2001-02. Click here for more updates on Budget 2018