A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report has caused a stir in the Delhi Assembly, revealing that the now-defunct Delhi Liquor Policy resulted in a staggering revenue loss of approximately ₹2,002 crore. The report was tabled in the assembly amidst a chaotic session that saw several Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs, including Atishi and Gopal Rai, being suspended for their disruptive behavior during the speech of Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. This development has sparked significant controversy, with AAP accusing the ruling authorities of authoritarianism, while critics argue that the suspensions were a necessary response to the unruly behavior of the MLAs.

CAG Report Exposes Massive Loss in Delhi Liquor Policy

The CAG report, which was tabled in the Delhi Assembly, highlights that the Delhi Liquor Policy resulted in a ₹2,000 crore loss for the state’s exchequer. The policy, which was introduced in 2021 and later scrapped, faced criticism from various quarters for its handling of liquor licenses and the revenue it generated for the state. According to the CAG’s findings, there were significant lapses in the implementation of the policy, leading to massive losses.

The report underscores various administrative and financial mismanagement in the formulation and execution of the policy. While the AAP government initially justified the policy as a means to enhance revenue and make the liquor distribution system more transparent, the CAG’s findings have painted a different picture. The report also points out that the revenue loss could have been avoided had there been more stringent oversight and better planning in place.

AAP MLAs’ Disruptions and Suspension

The session in which the CAG report was presented was marred by significant disruptions. Several AAP MLAs, including prominent leaders like Atishi and Gopal Rai, were suspended from the assembly by Speaker Vijender Gupta. The suspension came after the MLAs protested during Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena’s speech, voicing their opposition to the CAG’s findings and accusing the LG of political interference.

This move has drawn sharp criticism from AAP, with the party accusing the Delhi assembly speaker of authoritarianism. AAP leaders have claimed that the suspensions were a result of the government’s attempt to silence dissent and stifle opposition voices. The party has also accused the ruling authorities of using the CAG report to deflect attention from other pressing issues facing the state.

The Fallout: AAP’s Response and Critics’ View

The suspensions of the AAP MLAs have fueled a heated political debate in Delhi. AAP claims that the action is a blatant abuse of power, aimed at suppressing their voice in the assembly. They argue that the government is using the CAG report and the suspensions as tools of political vengeance to undermine their position in the assembly. On the other hand, critics of AAP see the suspensions as a necessary response to the chaotic and unruly behavior of the MLAs.

The opposition parties have rallied behind the AAP MLAs, calling for their immediate reinstatement and accusing the government of overreach. As the CAG report continues to be the focal point of debate, both sides remain entrenched in their positions, with the liquor policy and its fallout expected to remain a key issue in Delhi politics for the foreseeable future.

Conclusion

The CAG report has undoubtedly put the Delhi liquor policy under the microscope, revealing substantial financial mismanagement and revenue loss. Meanwhile, the AAP MLAs’ suspension has turned the political temperature up, with accusations of authoritarianism and political maneuvering from both sides. As the situation develops, it is clear that the Delhi liquor policy and its implications will remain a hot topic in the state’s political discourse.

In the coming days, further discussions on the CAG’s findings and the AAP’s protests will shape the future of Delhi politics and the credibility of the current government. The impact of this controversy on Delhi’s governance will be closely watched by political analysts and residents alike.

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