On the second day of the current session of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, the BJP government decided to table 14 pending CAG reports from the previous AAP government's tenure. These reports cover a review of the excise policy, Chief Minister's residence renovation, Yamuna pollution, air pollution, public health, infrastructure, and the functioning of the Delhi Transport Corporation.
New Delhi: Today, Tuesday, the BJP-led government in the Delhi Legislative Assembly tabled 14 pending reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). These reports pertain to the period from 2017-18 to 2021-22 and are based on audits of various departments of the Delhi government. The reports were laid on the table of the House after the Lieutenant Governor's address. BJP MLAs had previously accused the AAP government of suppressing these reports and demanded a special session to present them in the Assembly.
BJP Alleges Deliberate Suppression of Reports
The BJP claims that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government withheld these reports to conceal potential financial irregularities. The demand to release these reports gained momentum during the Assembly elections. Several BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had promised to make these reports public upon coming to power.
Controversy Surrounding Chief Minister's Residence Renovation
A key issue highlighted in the reports is the renovation of the Chief Minister's residence, termed "Sheesh Mahal" by the BJP. Initially, ₹7.61 crore was sanctioned for this project in 2020, but by 2022, the cost escalated to ₹33.66 crore, a 342% increase. Both the BJP and Congress criticized the Kejriwal government over this issue, alleging misuse of public funds.
Tensions Rise in the Assembly
The BJP government is prepared to present these reports following the Lieutenant Governor's address. A b reaction from opposition parties is expected, especially given the reports' alleged highlighting of several financial and administrative shortcomings. Analysts believe that the public release of these reports could significantly alter Delhi's political landscape.
Based on the revelations in the reports, investigations against former AAP ministers and officials are also possible. It will be interesting to observe the opposition's stance on these revelations and the AAP's response.
