Delhi assembly: Atishi, other AAP MLAs suspended amid CAG showdown

NEW DELHI: The BJP-led Delhi government on Tuesday tabled 14 Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports in the Delhi Assembly, highlighting alleged financial irregularities during the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration.
The move triggered a massive uproar from AAP MLAs, leading to their expulsion from the House by speaker Vijender Gupta.
The assembly session began with an address by lieutenant governor VK Saxena, but quickly descended into chaos as opposition members protested the reports.
The Delhi government incurred losses of over Rs 2,000 crore from the 2021-2022 excise policy due to a weak policy framework and poor implementation, according to a CAG report tabled in the assembly.
The report flagged violations in the licensing process and revealed that then deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia ignored recommendations from an expert panel. It highlighted revenue losses of Rs 941.53 crore from unauthorized liquor vends in non-conforming municipal wards and Rs 890.15 crore from surrendered licenses that were not re-tendered.
The findings are part of 14 audits on the previous AAP government's performance, presented by the new Rekha Gupta-led administration.
In response, speaker Gupta ordered all 22 AAP MLAs, including leader of opposition and former Delhi chief minister Atishi, to be marshalled out. Additionally, several AAP MLAs were suspended for the day for raising slogans during Saxena's speech.
Presenting the CAG reports, LG Saxena said, "My government, in its first Cabinet meeting, decided to table the CAG reports. This will pave the way to identify and address administrative deficiencies of the last government. In the coming months, we will focus on corruption-free governance, women empowerment, clean Delhi, Yamuna rejuvenation, and clean drinking water."
Saxena also pointed out the importance of cooperation between the Delhi government, the Centre, and other states, saying, "Continuous clashes and blame games over the past 10 years have hurt Delhi. My government will work in coordination with the Centre and other states."
Former Delhi minister and senior AAP leader Gopal Rai ahead of tabling of reports said, "We welcome the CAG report. Their (BJP) lies will be exposed infront of everyone. We want that the report be tabled in the Assembly, and we will discuss over it. However, they have shown their intention yesterday by removing the photo of Babasaheb Ambedkar and replacing it with Modiji's photo."
The BJP has long demanded the release of these reports, accusing the previous AAP government of stalling audits to conceal alleged corruption. The issue was a flashpoint during assembly elections, with the BJP using the delay as evidence of financial mismanagement by AAP.
One key report under scrutiny involves the renovation of the Chief Minister's official residence at 6, Flag Staff Road, dubbed 'Sheesh Mahal' by the BJP. The audit uncovered alleged irregularities in planning, tendering, and execution. The project's cost ballooned from an initial estimate of Rs 7.61 crore in 2020 to Rs 33.66 crore by April 2022, an increase of 342%.
Reacting to the findings, BJP MLA Satish Upadhyay said, "Today is a very important day. Those who did injustice to the people of Delhi and were involved in corruption will be held accountable. From Arvind Kejriwal to Atishi, Saurabh Bhardwaj to Somnath Bharti, everyone will face consequences. The truth behind many scams in Delhi, including those related to transport, health, and the Jal Board, will now be exposed."
The BJP and Congress have used the findings to criticise former CM Arvind Kejriwal, alleging the misuse of public funds.