Amidst intense political clashes, the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government in Delhi has ordered a thorough examination of the Delhi Jal Board’s financial records by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) following allegations of financial mismanagement leveled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Allegations of irregularities in the tendering process for sewage treatment plants have created a tense standoff between the ruling AAP and the BJP. The BJP accused the Delhi Jal Board of malpractice, asserting discrepancies in the tendering procedures. BJP’s national spokesperson, Gaurav Bhatia, claimed in a press conference that bids were orchestrated to favor specific contractors, causing a significant cost surge in the awarded contracts.
Bhatia highlighted that the initial project cost of approximately Rs 1,500 crore soared to Rs 1,938 crore, alleging a scam of Rs 450–500 crore. Demanding Kejriwal’s resignation over the issue, the BJP called for an investigation by central probe agencies and the Lieutenant Governor.
Further intensifying the conflict, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva and party workers staged protests outside the Delhi Jal Board’s office, likening the alleged scandal to a massive ‘liquor scam.’ Sachdeva alleged discrepancies in project execution despite tenders and payments being made.
Reacting to the allegations, Delhi’s Leader of Opposition, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, pressed for a CBI investigation, implicating Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj in the tender approval process.
“Arvind Kejriwal government is entirely against corruption, hence he has issued orders for transparency and anti-corruption audits,” said Delhi’s Water Minister Atishi on the audit.
“Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has ordered a 15-year special audit of the Delhi Jal Board, assigning the task to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), she added
“The Kejriwal government has maintained a steadfast zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and vows to continue doing so. Atishi, the Water Minister of Delhi, emphasizes this commitment.”
In response to the allegations, the AAP government initiated a comprehensive audit of the Delhi Jal Board’s financial history over the last 15 years by the CAG to investigate the purported financial improprieties.