Liquor policy caused Rs. 2,000 crore loss; 21 MLAs protesting removal of Ambedkar's photo suspended

NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presented the CAG reports implicating the former Aam Aadmi Party government in the Assembly.

There were 14 reports, including those on the controversial liquor policy deal and the beautification of the Chief Minister's official residence. The report says that the exchequer lost Rs 2002.68 crore in the liquor policy deal and that its implementation was flawed.

The reports on issues in which key Aam Aadmi Party leaders, including former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, are facing allegations, will start a political war of words. BJP MLAs alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party deliberately tried to delay the presentation of the reports in the Assembly. Meanwhile, the assembly session, which was supposed to end on the 27th, has been extended till March 3.

• 33.66 crores were spent on beautification (CAG findings).
• The exchequer lost Rs 2002.68 crores in connection with the liquor policy deal.
• Former minister Manish Sisodia ignored the recommendations of the expert committee related to liquor policy.
• Retail liquor licenses were granted without proper inspections.
• 33.66 crores spent on beautification of the Chief Minister's residence

Dramatic scenes, suspension

The opposition party has raised a huge protest against the removal of the photo of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the offices of the Chief Minister and ministers.

They alleged that a photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was placed in the same place. As soon as Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena started his policy speech, Opposition Leader Atishi and AAP MLAs raised slogans. With this, Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta ordered the expulsion of 21 MLAs, including Atishi, which is valid till the 28th.

Security officers removed the MLAs from the House. Out of the 22 AAP MLAs, Amanatullah Khan did not attend the session yesterday.

Atishi responded that the protests will continue both in assembly and on the streets until Ambedkar's portrait is restored to its original place. The BJP said that Ambedkar's portrait has not been removed from its offices. However, BJP has criticised the initial installation of Ambedkar's portrait along with Kejriwal.