Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Presents CAG Report in Assembly; Speaker Declares 'Blocking It a Criminal Offense'
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Synopsis
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta presented the CAG report in the Assembly amid political tensions between AAP and BJP. The report, linked to a controversial liquor policy, drew attention to allegations of corruption during the AAP's rule.
Key Takeaways
- Rekha Gupta tabled the CAG report in the Assembly.
- The report addresses the liquor policy under AAP's governance.
- Speaker Vijender Gupta called blocking the report a criminal offense.
- AAP MLAs protested vigorously during the Assembly session.
- Several AAP MLAs faced suspension for their actions.
New Delhi, Feb 25 (NationPress) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday presented the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report in the Assembly, amid ongoing political conflicts between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the BJP.
Following the address by Delhi's Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, the CM presented the CAG's 'Performance Audit Report on Regulation and Supply of Liquor in Delhi.'
A total of 14 CAG reports, covering various departments of the Delhi government, are set to be presented in the Assembly, with reports indicating they will be introduced gradually.
The presentation of the CAG report concerning the Arvind Kejriwal government’s liquor policy is particularly significant as it was reportedly the 'biggest scam' during the AAP's governance, leading to widespread public outrage.
A few key leaders from the party faced arrest due to the corruption-ridden excise policy, which was subsequently revoked. Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had to resign from his position.
As Assembly elections approached, the 'liquor scam' emerged as a crucial campaign issue, with the BJP effectively portraying the AAP government as enabling extensive corruption through its excise policy. The previous administration also obstructed the presentation of the CAG report in the state Assembly.
Delhi Speaker Vijender Gupta labeled the obstruction of the CAG report in the Assembly as a 'criminal offense'. He stated that the AAP government intentionally prevented the CAG report from being made public, which also attracted severe criticism from the High Court.
Earlier, as the House proceedings started, AAP legislators created chaos by chanting slogans and protesting against the BJP government’s actions perceived as disrespectful towards Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh.
They attempted to disrupt the L-G's address to the Assembly. Despite the Speaker's directives, the persistent AAP MLAs continued their protests.
As a result, at least a dozen AAP MLAs were suspended for the day.
