BJP Calls for CVC Probe into Alleged Financial Mismanagement in Delhi Jal Board

The BJP has approached the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to investigate alleged financial irregularities in the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) under the AAP government. The ruling AAP dismissed these allegations, accusing the BJP of misleading the public and engaging in dirty politics to obstruct fund releases.

Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly, Vijender Gupta, wrote to the CVC demanding an investigation. He claimed that since AAP came to power in 2015, there is no account of Rs 28,400 crore given to the DJB as no balance sheets were maintained. Gupta stated that after Delhi High Court's intervention, balance sheets for the first three years were prepared, but those for 2021-22 and 2022-23 remain pending.

Financial Irregularities Allegations

Gupta alleged that the delay in preparing balance sheets indicates a conspiracy to hide financial irregularities and corruption. He mentioned that without these documents, DJB's expenses cannot be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). This lack of transparency raises concerns about potential misuse of funds.

On March 15, 2024, Delhi's chief secretary submitted a detailed report to the water minister regarding DJB's debt of Rs 73,000 crore. Gupta claimed this report highlighted numerous financial irregularities but was not presented in the Assembly to cover up these issues. He further noted that even budget allocations for DJB are not fully utilised.

Unspent Funds and Budget Allocations

For instance, Rs 210 crore remained unspent in the 2021-22 budget, and Rs 3,035 crore could not be utilised in the 2022-23 budget. Gupta argued that without a balance sheet or audit, it is impossible to trace these expenditures, suggesting this might be intentional.

AAP responded by accusing BJP of creating an artificial crisis in DJB. They questioned why BJP harbours such animosity towards Delhi's residents and claimed that funds for sewer and pipeline projects were halted at BJP's behest. AAP asserted that Delhiites see through BJP's negative agenda.

"The people of Delhi have seen through the negative agenda of the BJP. In the coming Assembly polls, the BJP will not even be able to retain eight seats in Delhi it won last time," AAP stated.

In their statement, AAP also mentioned that all balance sheets were ready. However, Gupta countered this by claiming that only after court intervention were balance sheets for three years prepared while those for subsequent years remain pending.

The ongoing dispute between BJP and AAP over DJB's financial management continues to unfold. Both parties are levelling serious accusations against each other as they prepare for upcoming elections.