The first sitting of the newly-elected 70-member Delhi Assembly is set to take place on February 24, primarily for the election of the Speaker and oath-taking by MLAs. The CAG reports, which reportedly highlight financial irregularities under the previous AAP government, will be tabled in the House on February 27, a senior BJP functionary said on Friday.
Vijender Gupta, a three-time MLA and councillor, has been designated by the BJP to be the next Speaker. He confirmed that the Delhi Cabinet, in its first meeting on Thursday, approved a three-day Assembly session on February 24, 25, and 27.
The CAG reports, including one that flags lapses in the now-withdrawn excise policy, have already been received by the Speaker’s office of the outgoing Assembly. Gupta hinted that the first sitting would focus on formalities like the election of the Speaker and swearing-in of MLAs, while the CAG reports would be taken up subsequently, followed by discussions.
The BJP government is expected to use the CAG findings to highlight financial mismanagement during the AAP rule, which was a key election issue. In the run-up to the elections, the BJP had repeatedly accused the Kejriwal-led AAP government of financial irregularities, promising action against those responsible.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his campaign, had assured voters that the BJP government would recover the misappropriated funds, stating, “Jinhone loota hai, unhe lautana padega” (those who looted will have to return it).
