Delhi LG Urges CM Atishi to Convene Special Assembly Session to Table Long-Delayed CAG Reports

New Delhi: Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena has urged Chief Minister Atishi to convene a special session of the Delhi Legislative Assembly on December 19 or 20 to table pending Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports. Saxena accused the Delhi government of a “deliberate lapse” in fulfilling its legislative responsibility to present 14 audit reports over the past two years.

In a letter addressed to CM Atishi, Saxena highlighted the rarity of assembly sessions under the current government, stating, “It is a travesty that only five sessions have been convened in five years.” He also emphasized the urgency of the situation, given that the tenure of the current assembly will end in February 2025, making timely action imperative.

The LG noted that the government adjourned the last assembly session sine die on December 4 but has not yet prorogued it, enabling a special session to address the backlog of CAG reports. “The failure to table these reports undermines legislative accountability and transparency,” Saxena wrote, underscoring the reports’ importance in auditing the functioning of various government departments.

Opposition BJP filed a High Court petition to compel report tabling, with Vijender Gupta threatening further legal action if delayed.

Saxena criticized the delay, stating, “It pains me that a government elected on the plank of transparency has chosen opacity.” He emphasized repeatedly reminding Atishi and former CM Kejriwal of their responsibility to table the CAG reports in the assembly.

The LG noted that his office had promptly approved the reports on December 13, 2024, but action remains pending. Saxena expressed hope that the government would prioritize its constitutional duty and restore the legislature’s integrity.

The conflict between Delhi’s LG and its government highlights disputes over transparency, legislative accountability, and delayed tabling of CAG reports.