NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Delhi is set to table 14 long-pending Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports during the ongoing Delhi Assembly session.
These reports scrutinize various aspects of governance under the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration, covering areas such as state finances, public health infrastructure, vehicular air pollution, liquor regulation, and the functioning of the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC).
The reports have experienced substantial delays, with some pending for over 500 days. The oldest, the State Finances Audit Report for the year ending March 31, 2022, has been awaiting presentation since August 2, 2023.
The BJP had consistently demanded the release of these reports during the AAPโs tenure, alleging deliberate stalling to conceal instances of corruption and financial mismanagement.
The issue became a focal point during the recent assembly elections, with the BJP pledging to make these reports public promptly upon assuming office.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that the reports would be tabled in the first session of eighth assembly Delhi Legislative Assembly Sittings: 24th, 25th February and 27th February.
The BJP contends that the AAP government intentionally withheld these audits to obscure alleged malpractices. Conversely, the AAP has criticized the BJPโs approach, suggesting that the expedited release of the reports is politically motivated.
Atishi, the newly appointed Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister, has called for a thorough and unbiased examination of the reports, emphasizing the need to avoid politicizing audit findings.
The Delhi Assembly session, which commenced on February 24, has been marked by intense debates between the ruling BJP and the opposition AAP.
The tabling of the CAG reports is anticipated to further escalate discussions, potentially influencing the political landscape of the national capital in the coming months.
Vijender Gupta, formerly a vocal critic of the AAPโs handling of the CAG reports and now serving as the Speaker, is overseeing the proceedings. With Gupta at the helm, the reports are expected to be presented without further delay.
The release of these reports is poised to have significant ramifications for both the BJP and the AAP. For the BJP, the findings could substantiate claims of misgovernance and corruption during the AAPโs tenure, bolstering their political standing.
For the AAP, the reports present a challenge to defend their administrative record and address any highlighted deficiencies.
Meanwhile, in Punjab, the AAP Government will bring a resolution in the Assembly on Tuesday against Centreโs draft of the National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing.
The Punjab government last month rejected the Centreโs draft policy, saying that it is an attempt to bring back the contentious provisions of the three farm laws repealed in 2021 by the Centre after a year long protest by the farmers.
As the session progresses, stakeholders and the public alike will be keenly observing the unfolding discussions and their potential impact on Delhiโs governance and political dynamics.
