The Delhi Assembly is set to present 14 pending reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General today, scrutinising the performance of the previous Aam Aadmi Party government. This move by the newly formed Bharatiya Janata Party administration, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, aims to address alleged financial irregularities and policy missteps during the AAP’s tenure.
The session commenced with Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena administering the oath to BJP MLA Arvinder Singh Lovely as the pro-tem Speaker at Raj Niwas. Following this, the election of the Speaker is scheduled for 2 PM, with Vijender Gupta, a senior BJP leader, being the nominee for the position. The Lieutenant Governor is also slated to address the Assembly, setting the stage for the tabling of the CAG reports.
The decision to present these reports has been a focal point of political discourse, as they have been pending for over two years. Lieutenant Governor Saxena had previously expressed concerns regarding the delay, emphasising the necessity for transparency and accountability in governance. The reports are anticipated to shed light on various sectors, including state finances, vehicular air pollution, liquor regulation, and the functioning of the Delhi Transport Corporation.
Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa commented on the significance of the reports, stating, “The CAG report will expose the scams of Arvind Kejriwal’s government. It will expose the liquor scam. This is the first government in the last 3 years in which the Opposition had to go to the High Court to get the CAG report tabled.” His remarks underscore the BJP’s commitment to unveiling alleged malpractices of the previous administration.
The AAP, now in opposition, has defended its tenure. Spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar noted that former Chief Minister Atishi had forwarded the CAG report to the Speaker, describing the presentation as a routine procedure. She further highlighted other areas requiring attention, stating, “Dwarka expressway was made at an exceptionally high cost, which should also be investigated.” This indicates the AAP’s stance that scrutiny should be comprehensive and not selectively focused.
The BJP’s return to power in Delhi after 27 years has been marked by a series of assertive measures aimed at addressing alleged discrepancies of the previous government. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, a former student leader with a focus on urban development, has prioritised issues such as pollution control and infrastructure enhancement. The tabling of the CAG reports aligns with her administration’s agenda to promote transparency and rectify past administrative oversights.
Political analysts suggest that the presentation of these reports could have far-reaching implications. Ashish Sood, a Delhi minister, remarked, “All the eyes are on the CAG reports that the BJP government will table in the Assembly today. The one who has looted from the people will have to return it.” This sentiment reflects the BJP’s resolve to hold the previous administration accountable and recover any misappropriated funds.
The Assembly session is expected to be contentious, with both parties poised to defend their records vigorously. The BJP aims to utilise the findings of the CAG reports to substantiate claims of mismanagement and corruption under the AAP government. Conversely, the AAP is likely to challenge the interpretations of the reports and highlight its policy achievements during its tenure.
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