Delhi L-G accused of ignoring AAP meeting requests over alleged procurement scams

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused Delhi Lieutenant-Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu of refusing to meet its leaders despite multiple requests to discuss alleged irregularities in the procurement of medicines, bicycles, and rice. The party has also filed a formal complaint with the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) seeking an inquiry into the alleged bicycle procurement scam.

In a statement issued on Friday, AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj said the L-G was selectively meeting those who “please” him and had not even acknowledged the party’s requests for an appointment. “You cannot avoid meeting opposition leaders as a personal choice. Granting an appointment to opposition leaders is your professional obligation,” Mr. Bharadwaj said.

The allegations come against the backdrop of a politically charged atmosphere in the national capital. On August 16, AAP MLA Sanjeev Jha had written to the L-G seeking a thorough investigation into the alleged scams in procurement processes said to have taken place under the previous Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. The AAP has been pressing for investigations through public statements and formal complaints.

Later on Friday, Mr. Jha filed a complaint with the ACB, alleging a scam worth ₹37 crore in the procurement of bicycles valued at ₹90 crore. In a post on X, he said the party had submitted all the relevant facts and information related to the matter to the ACB. “We hope the ACB will conduct an honest investigation, get to the bottom of the matter and ensure that no one responsible is spared,” he wrote.

Mr. Jha also drew a comparison between the treatment of AAP leaders and the handling of corruption complaints against others. He noted that senior AAP leader Satyendar Jain had been arrested despite having “nothing to do with the case,” while no action had been taken despite several complaints regarding the alleged scams. He expressed confidence that the ACB would act on the matter without delay.

The L-G’s office did not issue an official response to the allegations. However, a source familiar with the matter said that Mr. Sandhu had met Leader of Opposition and senior AAP leader Atishi at least twice since assuming office in March. The source did not provide further details.

The AAP’s allegations are part of an ongoing political dispute over the control of administrative functions in Delhi. The L-G, as the Centre’s representative, oversees certain matters, while the elected government handles others. This division of powers has led to frequent friction between the elected AAP government and the L-G’s office.

It is important to note that the AAP’s claims are allegations and have not been verified independently. The ACB is expected to examine the complaint and determine whether there is sufficient ground for a formal inquiry. The L-G’s office has not commented on the specific claims made by Mr. Bharadwaj or Mr. Jha.

The development is significant as it reflects the strained relations between the AAP government and the office of the L-G. Political observers say the issue may also escalate further if the L-G continues to ignore requests for meetings from opposition leaders. However, without an official response, it remains unclear whether the L-G’s office has received or processed the AAP’s requests.

The AAP has said it will pursue the matter through all available legal and constitutional means. The party’s leadership has also indicated that it may raise the issue in public forums if the L-G does not respond.