AAP MP Sanjay Singh raised serious concerns on Sunday regarding a recent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), which highlighted irregularities in the Delhi government’s excise policy.
The report alleged a revenue loss of ₹2,026 crore due to mismanagement and procedural lapses.
Singh questioned the timing and authenticity of the report, pointing out that it surfaced during the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct in Delhi, following the announcement of assembly elections.
He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of spreading misinformation and breaching election protocols.
Singh expressed disbelief about how the report was made public without being tabled in the Delhi Vidhan Sabha. He demanded action against those spreading what he referred to as fake news, insisting that the BJP had violated election rules.
The MP also responded sharply to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks during a recent speech in the capital. Criticising the BJP, Singh referred to them as a party that operates through bulldozer politics.
He accused them of campaigning multiple times to evict slum dwellers, despite unfulfilled promises of providing permanent housing by 15 August 2022.
The CAG report painted a troubling picture of Delhi’s excise policy implementation, revealing multiple deviations from its objectives and irregularities in issuing licences.
The report highlighted a lack of transparency in pricing and enforcement, alongside procedural lapses that were left unaddressed.
Among the reported losses, ₹890 crore stemmed from the failure to re-tender surrendered licences before the policy period ended. Additionally, the report revealed that exemptions granted to zonal licences resulted in a further ₹941 crore loss.
The CAG’s executive summary also criticised the Department for issuing licences without conducting proper checks. Licences were allegedly issued without verifying solvency, criminal antecedents, or financial statements. Furthermore, the report highlighted that no data was sought regarding wholesale prices declared in other states.
The revelations have intensified the political battle in Delhi, with the AAP accusing the BJP of leveraging the report to mislead voters during the election season. Singh’s remarks have sparked further debate over the authenticity and timing of the report, which could have significant implications for both parties in the upcoming elections.
The issue of slum evictions has also taken centre stage, with Singh alleging that the BJP has vacated slums over fifty times without fulfilling promises of alternative housing.
He insisted that the people of Delhi deserve better governance and transparency, urging voters to take these issues into account when heading to the polls.
As the elections draw closer, the allegations and counter-allegations between the AAP and BJP are expected to escalate. The findings of the CAG report and the responses it triggers could play a crucial role in shaping the political narrative leading up to the elections.
Follow us
