Delhi Assembly: Opposition Alleges Financial Irregularities in DJB Amid AAP-BJP Clash

Vijender Gupta, Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly, accused the AAP government of hiding financial irregularities in the Delhi Jal Board (DJB). He demanded a CVC probe into the DJB's expenditure. AAP refuted the allegations, accusing BJP of deliberately misleading the public and withholding funds.

Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta on Wednesday leveled accusations against the AAP government, claiming it has failed to prepare the balance sheets for the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) in an attempt to conceal financial irregularities.

In response, the AAP refuted these charges, asserting that all balance sheets were prepared and accusing the BJP of intentionally misleading and dodging crucial issues.

Gupta cited a report from the Delhi chief secretary which pointed out ''rampant corruption'' within the DJB, preventing the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) from conducting an audit. He called for a Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) probe into the DJB's expenditure of Rs 28,400 crore since 2015-16.

The BJP leader alleged that the report was suppressed by the concerned minister. He dismissed AAP ministers' claims that the DJB was deprived of funds, stating that budgetary allocations were underutilized. Gupta also highlighted the DJB's inability to repay loans of over Rs 73,000 crore.

In opposition, AAP released a statement accusing the BJP of ''dirty politics'' and conspiring with officials to withhold funds meant for essential services.

According to AAP, the Delhi government has allocated over Rs 7,000 crore to the DJB, but after the BJP took control of the 'Services' department under the GNCTD Act, they directed officers to stop fund releases.

''The BJP is engineering an artificial crisis for the Delhi Jal Board. Why such animosity towards Delhi's residents?'' the Aam Aadmi Party questioned, accusing the BJP of blocking the old pension scheme and halting sewer and pipeline projects.

(With inputs from agencies.)