The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in a move that has sparked accusations of political vendetta, has obtained clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged financial irregularities surrounding the renovation of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence. The decision comes months after Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and the BJP raised concerns over the renovation expenditure.
Background:
- The MHA’s approval follows a request from Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, who had urged the Centre to transfer the case to the CBI.
- The BJP had previously cited documents indicating an expenditure of ₹44.78 crore for the “addition/alteration” of the CM’s residence, exceeding the sanctioned amount of ₹43.70 crore.
CBI Preliminary Enquiry:
- The CBI has initiated a preliminary enquiry to investigate the charges, with a focus on the involvement of unidentified public servants within the Delhi government.
- This preliminary enquiry is the first step to determine if the allegations warrant the initiation of a formal FIR.
AAP Accusations:
- In response to the MHA’s decision, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused the BJP of a “concerted effort” to undermine them and restrain Chief Minister Kejriwal “using all agencies.”
- The AAP asserted that over 50 cases have been filed against Kejriwal in the past, with no evidence found, and they believe the current probe will yield similar results.
CBI’s Request for Records:
- The anti-corruption branch of the CBI has requested records from the Public Works Department (PWD) related to the approval and recommendations of its officials concerning alterations, tender documents, bids submitted by contractors, approval of building plans, and client requests for specifications such as modular kitchens and ornamental work.
The CBI’s preliminary enquiry into the alleged financial irregularities in the renovation of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence has raised questions about political motivations. The AAP has accused the BJP of targeting them through various agencies, while the BJP and Lieutenant Governor Saxena maintain their concerns over the renovation expenses.
Summary:
- The BJP has secured MHA clearance for a CBI probe into financial irregularities in Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal‘s residence renovation.
- The decision has sparked accusations of political vendetta from the AAP, who claim the BJP aims to restrain their Chief Minister.
- A preliminary enquiry by the CBI is underway, focusing on unidentified public servants in the Delhi government.
- The AAP contends that previous cases against Kejriwal yielded no evidence and expects the same outcome in this investigation.
