Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia on Saturday demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe against former Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal. He alleged that the ex-LG’s decisions have caused loss to the exchequer. This demand has come amidst a tussle between the Center and the Delhi government over Delhi’s excise policy.
“The Lt Governor (LG) took a U-turn to benefit some liquor shop owners. The LG changed its policy approved 48 hours ago. Due to his decision, the government suffered loss of thousands of crores and some shopkeepers got benefits. Sisodia alleged in a press conference on Saturday that I have written to the CBI to investigate the change in stand of the former LG on opening of liquor shops in illegal areas.
Manish Sisodia Currently facing fire from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is accusing the Deputy Chief Minister of corruption in the implementation of the liquor policy.
Sisodia said, “Under the new excise policy, 849 shops were to be opened across Delhi including unauthorized areas. The LG did not object to the proposal and approved it.”
The minister claims that the LG changed its position two days before the policy came into force. The LG introduced the condition of taking permission from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
Delhi government formulated new excise policy when Anil Baijal was lieutenant governor (LG) Delhi. Excise policy was implemented on 17 November 2021 and licenses were given to private liquor vendors.
The new Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, VK Saxena, highlighted the loopholes in the policy and asked for a CBI inquiry after which the Delhi government withdrew. Excise Policy. The new excise policy will come to an end on August 31 and Delhi government corporations will run retail liquor shops from September 1 and there will be no private players in this segment.
VK Saxena took serious note of the delay by investigative agencies like Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) and Directorate of Vigilance (DOV) while investigating complaints of corruption against government officials.
According to an official statement, he also expressed displeasure at the administrative departments for delaying the information sought by the investigating agencies in complaints against the officials concerned.
With inputs from ANI.
catch all politics news And updates on Live Mint. download mint news app to receive daily market update & Live business News,