On the second day of the ongoing Delhi Assembly session, the BJP government decided to table 14 outstanding CAG reports from the previous AAP government's tenure. These reports cover reviews of excise policy, Chief Minister's residence renovation, Yamuna river pollution, air pollution, public health, basic infrastructure, and the operations of the Delhi Transport Corporation.
New Delhi: On Tuesday, the BJP-led government in the Delhi Assembly tabled 14 outstanding CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) reports. These reports span the period from 2017-18 to 2021-22 and are based on the audit of various departments of the Delhi government. The reports were tabled in the House after the Lieutenant Governor's address. BJP MLAs had previously accused the AAP government of concealing these reports and demanded a special session of the Assembly to table them.
BJP's Allegation: Deliberate Concealment of Reports
The BJP claims the AAP government had kept these reports hidden to conceal potential financial irregularities. Demands for the release of these reports intensified during the Assembly elections. Many BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had promised to release these reports upon assuming power.
Controversy Surrounding Chief Minister's Residence Renovation
A significant issue highlighted in the reports is the renovation of the Chief Minister's residence, referred to as 'Sheesh Mahal' by the BJP. Initially, ₹7.61 crore was approved for the project in 2020, but by 2022, the expenditure had risen to ₹33.66 crore, a 342% increase. Both the BJP and Congress cornered the Kejriwal government on this issue, alleging misuse of public funds.
Tensions Rise in the Assembly
The BJP government prepared to table these reports after the Lieutenant Governor's address. A b reaction from opposition parties is anticipated, especially given the reports' alleged revelation of numerous financial and administrative irregularities. Analysts believe the release of these reports could significantly alter Delhi's political landscape.
Based on the information revealed in the reports, there is a possibility of investigations against former ministers and officials of the AAP government. It remains to be seen what position the opposition parties take on the release of this information and how the AAP responds.
