CAG Report on Delhi Liquor Policy: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on Delhi’s excise policy has put the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in a tough spot. The report alleges a ₹2,002 crore loss due to policy changes and has intensified political tensions ahead of the upcoming elections. Former Delhi CM Atishi has pointed fingers at the Lieutenant Governor, CBI, and ED, blaming them for obstructing the policy and causing financial losses.
Is Sanjay Murti the New Vinod Rai?
Many are drawing comparisons between current CAG Sanjay Murti and former CAG Vinod Rai, whose reports on 2G, Commonwealth, and Coal scams significantly contributed to the downfall of the UPA government. While Rai’s revelations fueled the anti-corruption movement, ultimately leading to the rise of AAP, Murti’s report on Delhi’s liquor scam might pose a major challenge for the party.
How Did the Delhi Government Lose ₹2,002 Crore?
The CAG report highlights several key issues in the implementation of Delhi’s excise policy, including:
Non-compliance with zoning rules – ₹941.53 crore loss
Failure to re-tender surrendered licenses – ₹890 crore loss
Waiver of license fees citing COVID-19 – ₹144 crore loss
Improper security deposit collection – ₹27 crore loss
These financial lapses, according to CAG, led to an estimated total loss of ₹2,002 crore to the Delhi exchequer.
Who is CAG Sanjay Murti?
Sanjay Murti, a 1989-batch IAS officer from the Himachal Pradesh cadre, took over as CAG in November 2024. Before this, he served as Secretary in the Higher Education Department and worked in ministries like Housing, Transport, and Information & Broadcasting. An engineer-turned-bureaucrat, Murti has now emerged as a key figure in the Delhi liquor policy controversy.
Political Fallout and AAP’s Response
Following the report’s release, opposition parties have intensified attacks on AAP. Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Sanjay Singh have already been named in the case, with the CBI and ED investigating the matter. The report’s findings could further complicate AAP’s legal and political challenges ahead of crucial elections.
