CAG report flags serious irregularities in AAP govt, biggest scam in liquor policy: PAC chief

IANS April 9, 2025 134 views

The Delhi government's liquor policy has come under intense scrutiny following a damning CAG report revealing serious irregularities. PAC Chief Ajay Mahawar has initiated a comprehensive three-month investigation to uncover potential corruption within the Arvind Kejriwal administration. The nine-member committee, comprising six BJP and three AAP MLAs, will thoroughly examine the financial discrepancies and question relevant officials. Kejriwal and his ministers remain under legal pressure, with Mahawar emphasizing that anyone found guilty will face inevitable legal consequences.

"If anyone has indulged in corruption, then going to jail is inevitable" - Ajay Mahawar, PAC Chief
New Delhi, April 9: The Comptroller and Auditor (CAG) report, tabled in the Delhi Assembly recently, flags serious irregularities in the functioning of Arvind Kejriwal government at first glance and points to corruption at various levels in several departments including the Excise policy, said the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) president Ajay Mahawar.

Key Points

1

CAG report exposes significant corruption in AAP's liquor policy

2

PAC to conduct three-month investigation into government irregularities

3

Nine-member committee to examine financial discrepancies

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Kejriwal and ministers face potential legal scrutiny

Mahawar, BJP MLA from Ghonda constituency, took a stern view of corruption in the previous government’s liquor policy and said that if there was no wrongdoing, why did Arvind Kejriwal and his ministers Manish Sisodia and Satyendra Jain go to jail?

PAC chief Ajay Mahawar, in an exclusive interaction with IANS, explained in detail about how the committee will undertake a three-month-long exercise to probe the discrepancies and corruption allegations, as pointed out by the government auditor.

"PAC committee will carry out its work. Legal matters will be examined from a legal standpoint, and every member will have the right to express their views. If the opposition wishes to present their opinion, they are free to do so. If anyone wants to record a dissent note, he/she may do so. The committee, however, is committed to working with complete honesty, diligence, and a strong focus on facts," he emphasised.

He further said that the committee will submit its report within the stipulated time frame of three months; however, if needed, it will seek an extension of the timeline.

He said that the PAC will work diligently, take into account all the stakeholders, gather their explanations and subsequently present its report in the Assembly.

When questioned on the possibility of Kejriwal’s imprisonment again, he stated in clear terms that the law of the land is supreme and added, “If anyone (Arvind Kejriwal) has indulged in corruption, then going to jail is inevitable.”

“He is currently on bail and not acquitted of charges. Therefore, any punishment awarded by the court will have to be accepted,” he further stated.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is one of the three financial committees announced by Speaker Vijender Gupta recently and entrusted with the responsibility of examining the CAG report and also investigating the officials in question. After due examination and scrutiny of the alleged discrepancies, the PAC will submit its report to the House. The nine-member committee has six BJP and three AAP MLAs.

All the CAG reports related to liquor, Transport, Environment and pollution have been referred to the PAC. The PAC will examine the CAG report, question the concerned officials and bring to record the instances of irregularities.

Notably, the PAC is one of the most powerful committees of government as it plays a vital role in scrutinising the financial operations of government and works towards maintaining transparency and accountability in public spending.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is really disappointing to hear. We voted for AAP because they promised clean governance. If these allegations are true, it's a complete betrayal of public trust. 😞
P
Priya M.
Let's wait for the PAC report before jumping to conclusions. The BJP-led committee investigating AAP might have its own biases. The truth should come out through proper legal channels.
S
Sanjay T.
The liquor policy was always questionable. Why change something that was working fine? Now we see the consequences. Hope the investigation is thorough and impartial.
A
Anita R.
While the allegations are serious, I appreciate that the PAC is giving opposition members a chance to present their views. That's how democracy should work - with fairness and transparency.
V
Vikram S.
Respectful criticism: The article seems one-sided with only BJP's perspective. Would have been better to include AAP's response to these allegations for balanced reporting.
N
Neha P.
If there's corruption, punish the guilty regardless of party. But let's not forget the good work AAP has done in education and healthcare. One scam doesn't erase all their achievements.
K
Karan J.
The timing of this report seems suspicious with elections around the corner. Not saying the allegations aren't serious, but political parties always use these audits as weapons when it suits them.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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