Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Tables CAG Report on Excise Policy; ₹2,026 Crore Revenue Loss Alleged

NewDelhi 25 February 2025: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Tables CAG Report on Excise Policy; ₹2,026 Crore Revenue Loss Alleged. In a significant development during the Delhi Assembly session on February 25, 2025, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta tabled the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report concerning the now-defunct Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22. The report alleges that the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s implementation of the policy resulted in a substantial revenue loss of ₹2,026 crore to the state exchequer.

The CAG’s audit highlights several critical issues, including deviations from the policy’s original objectives, a lack of transparency in pricing mechanisms, and violations in the issuance and renewal of liquor licenses. Notably, the report points out that licenses were granted to entities operating at a loss, raising questions about the due diligence exercised during the licensing process. Additionally, the audit criticizes the Excise Department for inadequate oversight and failure to implement planned measures such as establishing liquor testing laboratories and batch testing for quality assurance.

The tabling of this report has intensified political tensions within the Assembly. Earlier in the session, Speaker Vijender Gupta suspended twelve AAP MLAs, including Leader of Opposition Atishi and Gopal Rai, for creating disruptions during Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena’s address. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has seized upon the report’s findings to criticize the previous AAP administration, alleging deliberate lapses and corruption in the formulation and execution of the excise policy.

In response, AAP leaders have questioned the timing and motivations behind the report’s release, suggesting that it is a politically motivated move by the current BJP-led government to discredit the opposition. The party has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter to ascertain the facts and address the allegations raised.

As the Assembly session continues, further debates and discussions are expected regarding the implications of the CAG report and the future of excise policies in Delhi.

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