The Delhi Liquor Scam has taken center stage as a leaked Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report uncovers financial irregularities leading to a ₹2,026 crore loss to the exchequer. The report, accessed by India Today, highlights significant lapses in the implementation of the now-scrapped excise policy introduced by the Delhi government in 2021. It alleges that AAP leaders, including Manish Sisodia and Arvind Kejriwal, benefitted from kickbacks while disregarding expert recommendations.
How The Delhi Liquor Scam Unfolded
The excise policy, implemented in November 2021, was intended to modernize liquor sales and maximize government revenue. Instead, it led to allegations of corruption, policy violations, and financial mismanagement. Investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) followed, leading to the arrests of prominent AAP leaders, including then-Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who chaired the Group of Ministers (GoM) responsible for framing the policy.
The CAG report has revealed glaring lapses:
- Surrendered Licences Ignored: Retailers who surrendered licences before the policy expired were not replaced, resulting in a ₹890 crore loss.
- Zonal Licensee Exemptions: Exemptions granted to certain licensees caused a ₹941 crore revenue gap.
- Licence Fee Waivers: ₹144 crore was waived in licence fees during Covid-19 restrictions, despite the tender conditions clearly stating that commercial risks lay with the licensees.
Key Violations Highlighted In The Report
The Delhi Liquor Scam also exposed procedural and administrative violations:
- No Cabinet or Lieutenant Governor approval was sought before implementing the policy.
- New excise rules were not tabled in the Delhi Assembly for ratification, violating legislative protocols.
- Licences were issued to financially unstable entities without proper scrutiny.
Additionally, the infrastructure necessary for quality control, such as labs and batch testing facilities, was never set up, further compromising the policy’s credibility.
Political Fallout Of The Delhi Liquor Scam
As details of the CAG report emerged, BJP leaders launched a scathing attack on the AAP government. Union Minister Anurag Thakur labeled Arvind Kejriwal the “kingpin of liquorgate,” criticizing the AAP’s governance. “AAP promised schools but built liquor stores instead. Their 10-year journey is a trail of scandals,” he said.
AAP leaders, however, dismissed the claims. Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh questioned the authenticity of the report, suggesting it was fabricated. “Where is the CAG report? Has it been filed at the BJP office? These claims lack any basis and are politically motivated,” Singh stated.
Historical Context Of Liquor Policies In Delhi
Liquor regulation has been a contentious issue in Delhi for decades. Before the 2021 policy, liquor sales were managed by a mix of private players and government-operated outlets. The new policy aimed to privatize the retail sector entirely, intending to reduce corruption and streamline operations.
However, such reforms are not new in India. Similar attempts in other states have faced criticism for promoting monopolies, encouraging black-market trade, or prioritizing revenue over consumer safety. The Delhi Liquor Scam echoes these historical challenges, raising questions about transparency and accountability in governance.
Implications Of The Scam
The fallout from the Delhi Liquor Scam is far-reaching:
- Political Repercussions: With BJP and AAP at loggerheads, the scam is likely to be a major talking point in future elections.
- Public Perception: The AAP government, once hailed for its focus on education and health, faces severe backlash over allegations of corruption.
- Policy Overhaul: Calls for stricter governance and better policy frameworks are gaining momentum, emphasizing the need for accountability.
Future Of Liquor Policies In Delhi
As investigations continue, the Delhi government faces mounting pressure to rebuild public trust. Experts suggest that any future excise policies must involve transparent bidding processes, independent audits, and a focus on consumer safety rather than mere revenue generation.
The Delhi Liquor Scam serves as a cautionary tale of how unchecked policy implementation can lead to widespread repercussions, both politically and economically. With the CAG report now in the public domain, the demand for accountability is louder than ever.