New Delhi, February 10: In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier remarks, BJP’s winning candidate Vijender Gupta on Monday reaffirmed that the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) report will be presented in the first session of the Delhi Assembly. Gupta shared the information with ANI, stating, “In the first session of the Delhi Assembly, we will table the CAG report (over expenses on renovation of Chief Minister’s residence).”
BJP’s CM Face for Delhi
On being asked about the BJP’s Chief Ministerial candidate for Delhi, Vijender Gupta clarified that the decision will be made by the party high command. He added, “All 48 MLAs are equal in the eyes of the party, and any of them can be the CM.”
Gupta, who emerged victorious in the Rohini Assembly seat by a significant margin of over 37,000 votes, defeated AAP candidate Pardeep Mittal.
BJP’s Victory and CAG Report
The BJP‘s victory in the Delhi elections has been marked by a comfortable margin, securing 48 out of 70 seats. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), in contrast, saw a significant decline in its performance, winning only 22 seats, compared to its dominant 62 seats in 2020.
BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj also echoed the sentiment about the CM decision, stating that the party leadership will ultimately decide on the CM face. She expressed gratitude for the party’s success and said, “BJP double-engine government will now be formed in Delhi. I thank and congratulate all of you.”
CAG Report on Excise Policy Irregularities
The CAG report, which will be tabled in the upcoming session, has revealed irregularities in Delhi’s excise policy, resulting in a revenue loss of Rs 2,026 crore. The report pointed out deviations from the policy’s objectives, lack of transparency in pricing, and violations related to license issuance that went penalized.
Out of the total loss, Rs 890 crore occurred due to the failure to re-tender surrendered licenses before the policy period ended, while Rs 941 crore was lost due to exemptions granted to zonal licenses.
PM Modi’s Statement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a public rally on February 8, assured the people of Delhi that the CAG report will be presented in the first assembly session. He emphasized that the BJP will take action, stating, “These AAP-da (disaster) people tried to put up various conspiracies every day to win the assembly election. But I guarantee that now the CAG report will be presented in the first assembly session, and whoever has looted will have to return it.”
Conclusion
The BJP’s decisive electoral victory in Delhi, along with the CAG report’s findings, has set the stage for significant scrutiny and accountability regarding the previous government’s excise policy. The tabled report, once presented, will likely play a pivotal role in the political discourse as the BJP looks to form its government in the national capital.