NEW DELHI: AAP faces mounting troubles as ACB investigates health corruption claims involving Saurabh Bharadwaj and Satyendar Jain.
The troubles for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) show no signs of abating. While Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal continues to be denied bail in the alleged Delhi excise policy case, fresh allegations have surfaced against Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj. The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) of Delhi has initiated an investigation into alleged corruption in the health department under Bharadwaj and former health minister Satyendar Jain. ACB has sought approval from the relevant authorities to proceed with the inquiry.
On August 22, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs, led by Delhi Assembly’s Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta, lodged a complaint with the ACB demanding an urgent probe into what they described as “massive corruption” within Delhi’s health department under Bharadwaj and Jain. The BJP leaders called for swift action to address what they claim is widespread corruption affecting the department. Their complaint highlights that 24 hospital projects, sanctioned for Rs 5,590 crore in 2018-19, are now plagued by significant delays and cost overruns, pointing to possible large-scale fund misappropriation. Additionally, BJP noted that only 52 out of 94 planned polyclinics have been constructed, despite costs escalating from Rs 168.58 crore to Rs 220 crore, with many of these polyclinics reportedly lying idle.
In response, AAP issued a statement, accusing BJP of engaging in political theatrics by making false allegations and publicising baseless enquiries through the media. AAP asserted, “The BJP and its agencies are free to investigate anything they wish. However, we demand that the BJP and the Lieutenant Governor (LG) address one fundamental question: If a multi-crore scam has indeed taken place under the supervision of Health Secretary SB Deepak Kumar and PWD Secretary Anbarasu, why hasn’t the LG suspended his two preferred officers?”
The statement further clarified, “The file related to the cost escalation of the hospital block never reached Saurabh Bharadwaj, nor did he approve it. This matter was handled by officers appointed by the LG. So, why isn’t the LG taking action against his own preferred officers?”
Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva stated that ACB has taken note of the allegations.
Sachdeva remarked, “Every department within the Delhi government, whether it be health, education, or any other, has become a hub of corruption.”
He further accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of being synonymous with corruption, claiming that the Arvind Kejriwal-led government shirks its responsibilities and instead resorts to holding press conferences.
“Whenever corruption or any other irregularity arises, AAP ministers deflect blame onto the officers while portraying themselves as innocent. If that’s the case, what exactly are you doing as ministers?” Sachdeva questioned.Delhi Congress also criticised the AAP over the alleged health department scam, urging the LG to order a probe. Delhi Congress President Devender Yadav stated that corruption is rampant in every department of the Kejriwal government, as evidenced by the ACB’s investigation into Bhardwaj and former Jain. Yadav accused the Kejriwal government of using the so-called “Delhi Model of Education and Health” as a cover for widespread corruption, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, when funds for Covid care centres, medical supplies, and vaccines were allegedly misused.
On the other hand, retaliating to the allegations, Bharadwaj criticised the ACB, claiming it has lost credibility. He noted that just two days earlier, the Saket court had remarked on the need for honest officers in the ACB. Bhardwaj pointed out that while ACB conducted an inquiry into a parking mafia case on court orders, it failed to take action against the main accused. He added that the LG decides which officers are posted in the ACB and suggested that the CBI, ED, and ACB are being used as puppets to target individuals with false complaints and investigations.