Delhi LG Orders Probe Into AAP Schemes; Kejriwal Calls Allegations "Fake"

New Delhi: Delhi Lt Governor (LG) V.K. Saxena on Saturday ordered investigations into allegations surrounding Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) schemes ahead of next year’s assembly elections. The directive, based on complaints by Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit, instructs the Delhi Chief Secretary and Police Commissioner to investigate concerns over alleged data fraud, illegal cash transfers, and misuse of resources.

AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal dismissed the allegations as "fake," questioning, “What will they investigate?”

Key Allegations Against AAP Schemes

The complaints include claims of:

• Fraudulent collection of personal data under AAP’s Mahila Samman Yojana, which promises ₹2,100 monthly for eligible women.
• Alleged deployment of Punjab intelligence officers near Congress candidates’ residences.
• Cash being transported from Punjab to Delhi to influence the election.

The LG has directed the Chief Secretary to conduct an inquiry into the alleged unauthorized collection of personal data by private individuals under the guise of enrolling beneficiaries for the Mahila Samman Yojana. Legal action has also been ordered against those violating privacy laws by setting up unauthorized registration camps.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police Commissioner has been instructed to monitor vehicles entering Delhi from neighboring states, following allegations of cash transfers. Police in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan have also been alerted to prevent illegal activities.

AAP Responds: “Politically Motivated”

Arvind Kejriwal claimed that the schemes, though announced as part of AAP's election manifesto, had already gained significant public support. He alleged the investigation was part of a BJP-led effort to derail AAP’s electoral campaign.

"First, they sent goons to disrupt our registration camps. Then, they uprooted the camps using police. Now, they’ve ordered a fake investigation. What will they investigate? These schemes were election promises, and we’ll implement them after winning," Mr. Kejriwal said.

The AAP also accused the BJP of being nervous about the overwhelming response to the Mahila Samman Yojana, with over 22 lakh women reportedly registered.

Govt Departments Label Schemes “Non-Existent”

Earlier, the Delhi government’s Women and Child Development and Health departments issued notices declaring the Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojana as “non-existent” and lacking government approval. The notices warned citizens against sharing personal details with unauthorized individuals, calling such registrations fraudulent.

Other Allegations Under Probe

Sandeep Dikshit’s complaint further alleged that Punjab intelligence officers were stationed near Congress candidates’ homes in Delhi. The LG’s office has asked the Delhi Police Commissioner to investigate this claim and submit a report within three days.

Additionally, Dikshit alleged cash transfers from Punjab to Delhi to fund election activities. The LG’s office has directed police to monitor inter-state vehicles to curb potential illegalities.

AAP-BJP Clash Escalates

The AAP has alleged that the LG’s actions are driven by BJP’s political agenda. “This order doesn’t come from the LG’s office but from Amit Shah’s office,” the AAP claimed, accusing the BJP of trying to discredit the Mahila Samman Yojana to derail its popularity.

Meanwhile, the BJP dismissed AAP’s claims, stating the investigation is necessary to address serious allegations of data fraud and election malpractice.

As political tensions rise, the LG’s office has emphasized that the investigations are aimed at upholding transparency and ensuring no electoral malpractice takes place.