New Delhi (India), February 26: Delhi Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit has demanded a wider investigation into the alleged liquor scam linked to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, claiming that the policy has resulted in a loss of Rs 2,000 crores in revenue, which could have been used for the benefit of the common people.
Dikshit criticized the AAP government for its claims of increasing revenue, stating, “Aam Aadmi Party’s claims of increasing revenue have been exposed. Revenue has suffered a loss of 2,000 crores. This could have helped the common people.”
The statement comes after Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presented the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on the liquor policy in the Delhi Assembly. Prior to the session, a meeting of BJP MLAs was chaired by CM Rekha Gupta, where discussions were held on the CAG report and the smooth functioning of the legislative session.
Dikshit further called for a broader investigation into the liquor policy, questioning the role of both AAP and BJP in the issue. “The companies which got the contracts donated to Aam Aadmi Party and BJP. This should be investigated,” he added.
In his criticism, Dikshit also noted the lack of public discussion regarding the CAG report in the Delhi Assembly. Despite the report being tabled, there was no public debate, which he found troubling, urging for the matter to be addressed on a broader platform.
He raised further concerns about the involvement of the Lieutenant Governor (LG) and BJP leaders in the liquor policy, questioning the approval process. “Why were three excise commissioners appointed at the time of the liquor policy? Why did the LG give the green signal to the liquor policy? Who gave permission to open liquor shops in violation of the master plan? This cannot happen without the permission of the Municipal Corporation. The Municipal Corporation was then ruled by the BJP,” Dikshit asked.
The second day of the Delhi Assembly session saw continued opposition protests, with heavy sloganeering. In response to the disruptions, Speaker Vijender Gupta suspended 21 MLAs until February 28.
In a statement to the media, Speaker Vijender Gupta confirmed, “The first CAG report has been tabled today. We will try to present as many reports as possible in the session, which has now been extended till March 3.”
Gupta also announced the formation of a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) comprising 12 to 14 members from both the ruling and opposition parties. “After discussion in the House, the report will be sent to the PAC for examination. Once the committee submits its findings, the House will take appropriate action,” he said.