AAP says BJP openly misusing central agencies

New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked the Comptroller & Auditor General of India (CAG) to conduct a special audit into alleged irregularities and violations in the reconstruction of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s official bungalow, following Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena’s recommendation to the former in this regard.
L-G House officials said the MHA had asked for the audit by the CAG after taking note of a May 24 letter received from the L-G Secretariat pointing out “gross and prima facie financial irregularities” in the reconstruction of the CM’s official residence “in the name of “addition/alteration” recorded in a “factual report” on the matter.
Terming the move “a brazen misuse of Central agencies by the BJP”, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said the saffron party “was disappointed at the emerging prospect of losing next year’s Lok Sabha elections”.
According to the report of the Chief Secretary, on the basis of which the MHA has requested the special audit, several alleged prima facie irregularities were found in the renovation of Kejriwal’s Civil Lines residence including “full-fledged construction/re-construction of a new building” by the Public Works Department and not obtaining mandatory sanction of Building Plans as per applicable building bylaws.
The report also noted that the initial cost for construction work was between Rs 15 crore to Rs 20 crore but this was “inflated from time-to-time” to the extent of approximately Rs 53 crore. It also cited violations of the MPD-2021 and violations related to environmental norms among others.
“The decision to initiate the same CAG investigation once again is a clear reflection of the BJP’s frustration, paranoia, and authoritarian tendencies. Conducting a CAG inquiry is a prerogative of an elected government, and by interfering in the affairs of the Delhi government, the central government is violating constitutional principles,” the AAP alleged.
“It is evident that the BJP, troubled by its consecutive electoral defeats in Delhi, is not only tarnishing the reputation of the honest government led by CM Arvind Kejriwal but also engaging in clandestine efforts to undermine the established power structure. The concocted allegations, ranging from the so-called liquor scandal to alleged irregularities in the reconstruction of the CM’s residence, are part of a carefully orchestrated drama designed to divert public attention from the massive scams involving Adani, which continue unabated under the protective umbrella of Prime Minister Modi,” it added.
Agencies

KR Desk