New Delhi: Atishi, Delhi’s Finance Minister, unveiled the city’s budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, highlighting the Arvind Kejriwal-led government’s robust emphasis on education. With a proposed allocation of ₹16,396 crore for the education sector, Atishi’s budget speech underscored a significant commitment to fortifying educational infrastructure and fostering opportunities within the capital. Notably, her address was punctuated with references to ‘Lord Ram’ and ‘Ram Rajya’, infusing a spiritual and ideological dimension into the political discourse surrounding the budget.
Commending Arvind Kejriwal as a symbol of hope, Atishi articulated the pride associated with the government’s tenth budget presentation, framing it as a testament to Delhi’s transformative journey under Kejriwal’s leadership. “We are not merely presenting the tenth budget; we are painting a portrait of a changing Delhi… Our efforts are dedicated to realizing the vision of Ram Rajya,” she proclaimed, interweaving political objectives with spiritual aspirations.
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Atishi accentuated the trust reposed in Kejriwal by the people of Delhi, emphasizing his integrity as a key factor in his electoral success. She further asserted the alignment of AAP legislators with the ideals epitomized by Lord Ram, outlining a collective commitment towards the realization of ‘Ram Rajya’ in the state capital.
केजरीवाल सरकार ने लंबी छलांग लगा कर दिल्ली के बजट को कई गुना मुनाफ़े में पहुँचाया‼️
🔹2021-22: 3,270 Crore
🔹2022-23: 14,457 Crore#KejriwalKaDelhiModel pic.twitter.com/FmcDacYKlH— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) March 1, 2024
Expanding the concept of ‘Ram Rajya’ beyond religious symbolism, Atishi associated it with the government’s initiatives aimed at fostering social welfare and justice. She drew attention to the ‘Farishtey Dilli Ke’ scheme, elucidating how the government’s intervention in facilitating medical aid for accident victims exemplifies the principles of ‘Ram Rajya’, prioritizing saving lives over bureaucratic hurdles.
भ्रष्टाचारी अरविंद केजरीवाल सरकार की पोल अब जनता के सामने खुल चुकी है! pic.twitter.com/ZZSUnrfe3M
— BJP Delhi (@BJP4Delhi) February 29, 2024
Underlining the government’s comprehensive approach to public welfare, Atishi announced a substantial allocation of ₹8,685 crore for the health sector, stressing the importance of accessible healthcare services for all residents of Delhi. Additionally, she unveiled the ‘Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojna’, pledging a monthly stipend of ₹1000 to women aged 18 and above, furthering the government’s commitment to gender empowerment and financial inclusion.
While Arvind Kejriwal’s personal devotion to Lord Hanuman has been well-documented, evidenced by his frequent visits to Hanuman temples across Delhi, the AAP’s engagement with religious symbolism has been a subject of scrutiny and interpretation. The absence of AAP leaders from the consecration ceremony of Ayodhya’s Ram Temple in January sparked debates regarding the party’s stance on religious affairs.
In response to Atishi’s budget speech, BJP leader Bansuri Swaraj criticized the AAP government, alleging hypocrisy in its invocation of ‘Ram Rajya’ amidst allegations of corruption. Swaraj’s remarks underscored the political polarization surrounding the budget presentation, with the BJP questioning the sincerity of AAP’s spiritual overtures while accusing them of neglecting substantive governance issues.
In essence, Atishi’s budget speech encapsulated the AAP government’s multi-faceted approach towards governance, blending socio-economic policies with spiritual rhetoric. As Delhi navigates through the challenges of a rapidly evolving political landscape, the ideological underpinnings of governance continue to shape public discourse, underscoring the complexities inherent in the intersection of religion and politics in contemporary India.
Divya 
Mehek