People's Democracy

DELHI CM MUST GO

THE Delhi State Committee of the CPI(M), in a press statement on August 6 demanded the immediate resignation of Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit over the revelations made by the audit report on the Commonwealth games by the CAG, submitted to the parliament yesterday.

The CAG report made a scathing indictment of the PMO, the CWG OC and the Delhi government, particularly the CM, by confirming what was known already that the “Modus operandi observed over the entire gamut of activities leading to the conduct of the games was: inexplicable delays, artificial or consciously created sense of urgency, contracting procedures became a very obvious casualty, eliminating competition led to huge avoidable extra burden on the exchequer.”

The irregularities found by the CAG pertaining to the Delhi government involve upgradation of street lighting, streetscaping and beautification of roads, road signage, two bridges (one of which collapsed), restoration of Connaught Place, communication services, bus parking opposite the Millennium Park, and improper awards of contracts at the behest of CM. Extra expenditure or escalation of costs involve over Rs 900 crores.

The CAG report confirmed what was earlier revealed by the Shunglu Committee report which was shamelessly trashed by the Delhi government. The Delhi CM had also tried to deflect probe into the Delhi government by saying the evidence pointed to corruption only by the OC of the CWG and tried to stonewall the CBI investigation into the activities of the PWD minister.

Following the submission of the CAG report to parliament, the Delhi CM has no moral right to remain in office. Her continuance in office will only inhibit a proper investigation and booking of the culprits. The CPI(M) demands the immediate resignation of the Delhi CM and the filing of FIRs against all those who are responsible for the enormous loot of public funds and losses to the exchequer.