Environment and Industries Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Friday, 7 August called on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislators to abandon what he described as political theatrics, baseless allegations, and disruptive conduct, as the Delhi Assembly's Monsoon Session opened its first day. Sirsa urged the Opposition to instead focus on substantive debate on matters of public concern, asserting that the Legislative Assembly is democracy's highest forum.

Sirsa's Charge Against the Opposition

The Minister alleged that AAP has been left without a credible political issue following the rollout of the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, a scheme providing eligible women with financial assistance of ₹2,500. He claimed the scheme's wide public acceptance has rattled the Opposition, pushing it toward what he characterised as false allegations and misleading propaganda both inside and outside the Assembly.

Sirsa specifically dismissed AAP's charges around a so-called 'bicycle scam' and 'health scam,' stating the party had failed to produce a single credible document or piece of evidence to back either claim. 'Those who governed Delhi for years are now unwilling to acknowledge developmental work,' he said, accusing the Opposition of attempting to spread confusion rather than engage constructively.

Monsoon Preparedness and Waterlogging

On infrastructure, Sirsa pointed to the Delhi government's pre-monsoon preparations as yielding visible results, citing Minto Bridge — long notorious for severe waterlogging — as a site of marked improvement this season. He credited the administration's advance planning for reducing flooding at previously chronic spots across the capital.

Delhi Lakshmi Yojana: Government's Pitch to Women Voters

Sirsa described the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana as more than a financial transfer, framing it as a 'transformative step' toward women's dignity, security, self-reliance, and social empowerment. He congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and the broader Delhi government on the scheme's implementation.

Higher Education Gap and the Private Universities Bill

The Minister also highlighted a structural gap in Delhi's higher education ecosystem: approximately 3.25 lakh students clear the Class XII examination in the capital each year, against only around 1.5 lakh seats available in regular undergraduate programmes. This shortfall, he said, has for years forced large numbers of students to seek higher education outside Delhi.

Sirsa praised the Delhi Cabinet's approval of the Delhi Private Universities Bill, 2026 as a historic milestone, arguing it would enable new private universities to be established in the capital, significantly expand undergraduate seat capacity, and reduce the outward migration of students. He congratulated Chief Minister Gupta and Education Minister Ashish Sood on the development.

With the Monsoon Session now under way, the tenor of Assembly proceedings — and whether the Opposition engages on policy or escalates its disruptions — will set the political tone for Delhi heading into the next phase of governance.