Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said that his government will approach to the Supreme Court to plead for the genuine share in terms of revenue distribution from the Centre for the national capital.
Addressing the Delhi Legislative Assembly in the ongoing Budget session, Kejriwal raised the issue of Delhi not featuring in central Finance Commission’s list of states for receiving financial assistance from the Central government.
Kejriwal said despite Delhi paying income tax of Rs 1.5 lakh crore, the Central government has ignored the national capital.
“Out of total Rs 9 lakh crore tax collected by the Centre from all the states in the country, Delhi pays Rs 1.5 lakh crore. In fact, it contributes more than some big states like Punjab and Haryana. Yet we are being left out to receive any financial assistance from the Central government,” Kejriwal said.
Kejriwal said centre is exploiting Delhi’s unique status.
“Are we (Delhi) a state or a Union Territory? We are neither. What is our identity? If we are a UT, then Centre has to give us Rs 52,000 crore. If we are a state, then make us part of that list. I’m not saying they should give us the entire Rs 1.5 lakh crore. Give us Rs 2,000 crore if need be but at least put us on the list,” he said.
Taking a dig at the BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta, Kejriwal urged him to use his good office to get Delhi listed in the central Finance Commission’s list and help in getting the capital its due share.
“I know you will never do it and neither will your Central government,” Kejriwal said, adding that the Delhi government will go to the Supreme Court on this matter.