New Delhi, February 26: The Delhi Congress has called for the immediate formation of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to scrutinize the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s 2021-22 liquor policy. The party has also demanded that the scope of investigation be expanded to examine the alleged involvement of BJP leaders in the matter.
Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav, addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, questioned why only one of the 14 CAG reports on the AAP government’s performance was tabled in the assembly. The report was presented by newly elected BJP Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on the second day of the assembly session.
Congress Alleges BJP's Role, Calls for Transparency
Yadav claimed that the Congress had submitted a written complaint with "evidence" of the BJP’s involvement in the liquor policy issue. He emphasized the need for an immediate PAC investigation, stating, “PAC should be formed at the earliest so that the report is thoroughly examined, and those responsible for the loot are punished.”While PACs are traditionally chaired by opposition leaders, Yadav pointed out that in Delhi, the ruling party has been in control of the committee. He stressed that the reports must be discussed publicly to ensure transparency.
Key Allegations and Demands
Yadav raised concerns about the exclusion of BJP leaders and the then Lieutenant Governor's role in the CAG report. He questioned why three excise directors were replaced within a year and why certain new liquor brands were promoted in Delhi. He further alleged that licenses for liquor stores were granted in violation of the master plan, with BJP-ruled Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) permitting liquor outlets even in non-conforming areas.“The CAG report can be summed up in three words – loot, lies, and division,” Yadav remarked, asserting that the AAP government falsely claimed to increase revenue while allegedly causing a loss of ₹2,002 crore.
Sandeep Dikshit Highlights Policy Manipulation
Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit added that the liquor policy’s objectives were altered multiple times. “Initially, the policy included 77 entities, but this was later reduced to 14, all of which are interlinked. These organizations have political connections with AAP,” he alleged.He further claimed that discussions regarding the policy took place 8-9 months before it was officially introduced, raising suspicions of premeditated influence by liquor contractors. “A separate investigation is necessary to uncover the extent of these connections,” Dikshit stated.
BJP Returns to Power as Liquor Policy Controversy Continues
The CAG report, tabled in the assembly, highlighted a cumulative loss of over ₹2,000 crore due to weak policy structuring and flawed implementation. It also flagged violations in the licensing process and noted that the recommendations of an expert panel were ignored by then Deputy Chief Minister and Excise Minister Manish Sisodia.The alleged liquor policy scam played a crucial role in the lead-up to the recent Delhi Assembly elections, in which the BJP reclaimed power after 27 years. Several AAP leaders, including Sisodia, former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and party member Sanjay Singh, were arrested in connection with the case but are currently out on bail.
Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta has confirmed that the CAG report will be referred to the PAC, which is yet to be constituted. With the assembly session extended until March 3, political debates over the liquor policy are expected to intensify in the coming days.
