Synopsis
The new Delhi Assembly will convene for the first time on February 24 to elect a Speaker, with CAG reports focusing on financial mismanagement to be presented on February 27, as confirmed by BJP officials. The reports are expected to highlight discrepancies in the previous government's excise policy.Key Takeaways
- First assembly session on February 24.
- CAG reports will be tabled on February 27.
- Reports may reveal financial mismanagement.
- Discussion on reports to follow their tabling.
- Previous AAP government faces accountability.
New Delhi, Feb 21 (NationPress) The inaugural session of the new 70-member Delhi Assembly is scheduled for February 24, during which the Speaker will be elected. The CAG reports are anticipated to be presented to the House on February 27, as confirmed by a senior BJP leader on Friday.
Vijender Gupta, a seasoned legislator and former councillor nominated by the BJP for the Speaker position, noted that the Delhi Cabinet approved a three-day legislative session on February 24, 25, and 27 during its first meeting on Thursday.
He mentioned that since the CAG reports, particularly one highlighting issues in the now-repealed excise policy, have already reached the Speaker's office of the previous Assembly, these will be prioritized by the new Assembly.
Gupta suggested that the Assembly's initial meeting might primarily focus on the election of the Speaker and the oath-taking ceremony for all MLAs, with the CAG reports to be discussed later.
Following the tabling of the CAG reports, a discussion will ensue, he stated.
The CAG reports are expected to unveil allegations of financial mismanagement by the prior AAP administrations under Arvind Kejriwal.
In the lead-up to the elections, the BJP criticized the AAP government for financial discrepancies that resulted in significant losses to the state treasury.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured voters that the BJP government would ensure that “jinhone loota hai, unhe lautana padega” (those who have looted, will have to return it).
Delhi's newly appointed Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also stated on her first day that the previous AAP government would be held accountable for corruption.
Reports have indicated that excerpts from some CAG reports revealed a staggering revenue loss exceeding Rs 2,026 crore due to irregularities in the Delhi government's excise policy.
The audit report concerning the liquor policy from 2017 to 2022 highlighted numerous violations related to quality control, licensing, pricing, and enforcement failures in the system. This audit encompasses three years under the prior excise policy and one under the now-defunct 2021-22 excise policy.
