The political climate in Delhi has reached a boiling point as the Rekha Gupta-led BJP government makes a significant move in its first session of the eighth Delhi Assembly. The session commenced with the much-anticipated tabling of 14 pending Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports, covering the financial years from 2017-18 to 2021-22. These reports, some of which have been pending for over 500 days, are expected to expose major financial irregularities and alleged corruption during the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) regime.
BJP’s Strategic Move: Fulfilling Modi’s Promise
For the first time in years, the AAP finds itself in opposition, with the BJP holding power in the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured party workers on February 8 that the CAG reports would be presented in the very first session following the BJP’s electoral victory. Staying true to this commitment, the reports were tabled at 12:00 PM on February 25, marking a critical moment in Delhi’s governance.
Key Findings and Explosive Revelations
Among the 14 reports, 11 pertain to the tenure of Arvind Kejriwal as Chief Minister, while three are from Atishi’s term. These reports are set to shed light on crucial issues, including:
Delhi Liquor Scam: A performance audit on liquor supply in Delhi is expected to highlight flaws in AAP’s liquor policy, which allegedly favored liquor cartels. Investigations by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) have already pointed to potential financial mismanagement.
Mohalla Clinic Project: The audit scrutinizing Delhi’s health sector is likely to reveal irregularities in the construction and operation of Mohalla Clinics. While the AAP government had promised 1,000 clinics, only half were reportedly completed.
State Finance Audit (2020-21 & 2021-22): This report is expected to expose discrepancies in the allocation and utilization of funds across key departments, including health, education, and public welfare.
Air Pollution Mitigation Efforts: The report may unveil how significant expenditures on environmental initiatives failed to yield results, questioning the efficiency of the AAP government’s policies.
Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) Audit: Irregularities in public transport procurement and maintenance are likely to be revealed.
Construction of the Chief Minister’s Residence (“Sheesh Mahal”): The report is anticipated to highlight excessive spending on imported marble and luxury furnishings, raising concerns over misuse of public funds.
Political Fallout and Possible Investigations
With the BJP government signaling the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe these findings, the AAP is expected to mount a strong defense. The session is likely to witness heated debates, with opposition leaders contesting the validity of the claims made in the reports. This session marks a turning point in Delhi’s political history, potentially reshaping public perception and governance in the capital. As the BJP moves forward with its accountability drive, all eyes remain on the unfolding developments in the Delhi Assembly.
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