CAG report tabled in Delhi assembly, citing loss of over Rs 2000 cr due to excise policy

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta tabled the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) report, highlighting the alleged financial irregularities during the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration, including alleged irregularities in the Delhi Excise liquor policy.

The report was tabled on the second day and mentioned that the Delhi government suffered a massive financial setback, incurring losses of over Rs 2,000 crore due to "flaws" in its 2021-22 excise policy.

The report 'Performance Audit on Regulation and Supply of Liquor in Delhi' was tabled following the suspension of 12 AAP MLAs, including Leader of Opposition Atishi, in a face-off with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party over an auditor report.

The report pointed out that recommendations of an expert panel, formed to suggest changes for the formation of the now scrapped policy, were ignored by then deputy CM and excise minister Manish Sisodia.

Additionally, the Excise Department lost Rs 890.15 crore due to the surrender of licenses and the department’s failure to re-tender liquor zones, the report said.

The CAG report also flagged an irregular waiver of Rs 144 crore granted to licence holders, citing Covid-19 restrictions, a decision personally approved by Manish Sisodia despite finance department objections.

Earlier, the assembly session began with an address by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena but quickly descended into chaos as opposition members protested the reports.

The move triggered a massive uproar from AAP MLAs, leading to their expulsion from the House by speaker Vijender Gupta.

Slamming the AAP government, Speaker Vijender Gupta said, "It is amazing to know that the CAG report has not been tabled in the assembly after 2017-18. It was much needed to obtain the financial condition of the state. Unfortunately, the CAG report was not tabled, and the previous government violated the Constitution."

Presenting the CAG reports, LG Saxena said, "My government, in its first Cabinet meeting, decided to table the CAG reports. This will pave the way to identify and address administrative deficiencies of the last government."

LG said, "In the coming months, we will focus on corruption-free governance, women empowerment, clean Delhi, Yamuna rejuvenation, and clean drinking water."

Saxena also pointed out the importance of cooperation between the Delhi government, the Centre, and other states, saying, "Continuous clashes and blame games over the past 10 years have hurt Delhi. My government will work in coordination with the Centre and other states."