'AAP Involved in Rs 700 Crore Scam During COVID': Delhi Health Minister Drops Bombshell

New Delhi: Delhi’s Health Minister Pankaj Singh has accused the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of being involved in a Rs 700 crore scam during the COVID-19 pandemic. The minister, citing alleged financial irregularities, vowed that a full-scale probe would be conducted and that “no person will be spared” in the investigation.  

While speaking to news agency ANI, Singh said, “They (AAP govt) were involved in a ₹700 crore scam during COVID-19. After the CAG report, all scams will be thoroughly investigated.”

CAG Report Uncovers Major Irregularities

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta tabled the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Report on the Delhi Excise Policy in the Legislative Assembly on 25th February. The report highlighted irregularities in the liquor case and revealed an estimated ₹941.53 crore revenue loss due to policy mismanagement.  

The report further noted that the Excise Department failed to secure timely approvals for liquor store openings in non-conforming municipal wards, leading to an ₹890.15 crore loss due to surrendered licenses and lack of re-tendering. Additionally, an "irregular waiver" of ₹144 crore was granted to license holders due to COVID-19-related closures.  

Allegations of Corruption in AAP Governance

The CAG audit also exposed irregularities in policy design, tendering, and execution, including issues in awarding wholesale liquor licenses under the new excise policy. The policy’s structure allegedly favored monopolistic practices, limiting competition and leading to cartelization.  

Moreover, the CAG Report revealed the government’s failure to establish liquor testing labs, batch quality checks, and improved monitoring, all of which were part of the original policy objectives.  

BJP ’s Attack & AAP’s Defense

The BJP has intensified its attack on AAP, accusing it of hiding reports and misusing public funds. Delhi LG VK Saxena has ordered all departments to submit a 100-day development plan, addressing previous governance failures.  

In response, AAP leaders dismissed the allegations as “politically motivated”, arguing that the BJP is using the CAG report to defame the opposition.