The BJP intensified its criticism of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today, following revelations from a leaked report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) related to Delhi’s contentious excise policy. AAP leader Sanjay Singh, questioning the report’s legitimacy, sarcastically asked if the findings were drafted at the BJP’s office.
The leaked report, which has not been officially published, allegedly highlights significant lapses and violations under the leadership of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. The controversy comes just ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 5.
According to excerpts that have surfaced, the excise policy reportedly caused a financial loss exceeding ₹2,026 crore to Delhi’s exchequer. This includes a loss of ₹890 crore attributed to the failure to re-tender surrendered retail liquor licenses, and another ₹941 crore allegedly lost due to exemptions granted to zonal licensees. The report also claims that key approvals from the Lieutenant Governor (LG), the Cabinet, and the Assembly were bypassed, while the Group of Ministers (GoM), led by Manish Sisodia, ignored expert panel recommendations.
The BJP has seized the opportunity to accuse the AAP government of widespread corruption and mismanagement. “If their policies were so good, why are they now on the backfoot? Today, AAP has no answers for Delhi’s broken roads, contaminated water, soaring electricity bills, garbage piles, and pollution. The people of Delhi want freedom from this ‘AAP-da’ (disaster),” remarked BJP leader Anurag Thakur.
Responding to the BJP’s claims, AAP MP Sanjay Singh challenged the authenticity of the purported CAG report. “Where is this report? Do you have a copy? Was it written at the BJP office? The BJP is in panic and has lost its mental balance. They contradict themselves—saying the report hasn’t been tabled, yet claiming it’s been released. What do they even mean?” he questioned.
Meanwhile, the Congress also criticized AAP. Delhi Congress President Devender Yadav alleged that delays in presenting the CAG report in the Assembly suggest a secret pact between BJP and AAP to suppress it. Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit labelled the excise policy a “blatant scam” and accused the Kejriwal government of depleting public funds.
