Is Tejashwi Yadav Responsible for the CAG Scam of Rs 70,877 Crore?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Political tensions rise in Bihar as CAG report sparks accusations.
- Samrat Choudhary blames Tejashwi Yadav for past irregularities.
- The CAG report highlights Rs 70,877 crore in pending utilisation certificates.
- Upcoming Bihar elections intensify the political discourse.
- RJD leverages the issue to gain traction ahead of the polls.
Patna, July 30 (NationPress) In a significant turn of events, following accusations from Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav against the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government regarding the purported CAG scam amounting to Rs 70,877 crore, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Samrat Choudhary retaliated by holding the former Deputy CM accountable for the alleged irregularities.
Choudhary pointed out that the pending utilisation certificates are tied to the period when the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) was in power, during which Tejashwi Yadav served as Deputy CM.
“Tejashwi Yadav is merely highlighting his own government’s inefficacy. The financial year referenced in the report falls under the Grand Alliance’s tenure,” stated Samrat Choudhary.
He further explained that the Finance Department has issued a statement describing the pending utilisation certificates as a standard administrative issue, rather than indicators of financial mismanagement.
“This delay is routine in administrative processing, not indicative of a scam. All expenditures are meticulously accounted for and audited by the Accountant General,” asserted Choudhary.
The political arena in Bihar has intensified after the recent revelations in the latest Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, which brought to light the non-submission of utilisation certificates concerning government funds totalling Rs 70,877 crore.
This controversy has ignited a fierce exchange of words between the ruling NDA and the opposition.
Tejashwi Yadav labeled the findings a “mega scam” and accused the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government of rampant corruption.
The RJD has been vigorously advocating this issue as a pivotal political tool in the lead-up to the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
“This is the hard-earned money of the people of Bihar. The Nitish government has failed to provide any records of how or where Rs 70,877 crore was allocated. This is the largest scam under their administration,” Tejashwi Yadav stated.
The CAG report, presented by Samrat Choudhary during the Assembly's monsoon session, does not confirm any misuse of funds but indicates the absence of clear evidence regarding the proper utilization of the specified amount.
Nevertheless, the opposition remains unconvinced. Tejashwi Yadav has accused the NDA of attempting to detract from governance failures and corruption, while leaders from the ruling alliance counter by alleging that the RJD and Congress are misleading the populace.
“The Congress and RJD cannot tolerate the achievements of the Nitish Kumar-led government. This is why they are sowing confusion among the public,” Choudhary added.