The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) of Delhi has formally lodged a case against senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain, accusing them of involvement in a massive ₹2,000 crore scam tied to the construction of thousands of classrooms in Delhi’s government schools. This significant development marks another serious corruption allegation against top AAP functionaries who once held key portfolios in the Delhi government.

Background of the Case

The case revolves around the construction of 12,748 classrooms and associated infrastructure in schools operated by the Delhi government. According to the ACB’s preliminary findings, systematic irregularities and unjustified cost escalations were recorded throughout the project duration. The ACB alleged that none of the projects were completed within the designated timelines, raising serious questions about the management, oversight, and financial integrity of the initiative.

The investigation was initiated after the ACB secured permission under Section 17-A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, a legal requirement for probing serving or former government officials. This sanction allowed the agency to formally open an inquiry against the two leaders.

Irregularities in the Classroom Construction Project

As per the official release from the ACB, one of the most glaring issues in the classroom construction project was the arbitrary appointment of consultants and architects. These appointments were reportedly made without adhering to the standard bidding process or transparency norms, in direct violation of governmental procedures.

Moreover, the agency alleged that these consultants were instrumental in manipulating project costs, leading to massive financial escalations. It was also claimed that despite the huge expenditure, project deliverables lagged considerably, and quality assessments were either manipulated or not conducted.

The ACB is reportedly examining whether this budget inflation was intentional and whether there were kickbacks or other forms of financial misconduct involved.

Political and Legal Implications

This case adds to the growing list of legal troubles for Manish Sisodia, who has been in the crosshairs of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Delhi liquor policy scam. Sisodia was arrested and later granted bail in that case but remains under investigation.

Similarly, Satyendar Jain, the former Health and Public Works Department Minister, was arrested in 2022 by the ED in a money laundering case and was granted bail after several months in judicial custody. Jain, too, has been on the radar for various alleged financial irregularities during his tenure.

With this fresh ACB case, the political heat has intensified on the AAP leadership. The party, which has long projected itself as a crusader against corruption, now finds its top leaders repeatedly embroiled in high-profile scandals.

AAP’s Response

The Aam Aadmi Party leadership has not yet issued an official statement on the latest case. However, in the past, AAP has consistently claimed that cases against its leaders are politically motivated and meant to derail their pro-people governance model. Party insiders are reportedly preparing a legal and media counter-strategy to defend the former ministers.

Given the scale and nature of the allegations, opposition parties are expected to use this development as a major talking point in upcoming electoral campaigns. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which governs the Centre, has already seized the opportunity to accuse AAP of deep-rooted corruption.

Classroom Audit and Financial Trail

A detailed audit of the classroom project by state oversight bodies reportedly uncovered that many schools did not require the number of classrooms sanctioned, leading to suspicions that the project was inflated on paper to justify the financial outlay. Some of the schools were found to have vacant buildings with no student occupancy, suggesting a mismatch between infrastructure development and actual educational needs.

The ACB is likely to conduct forensic audits and will also scrutinize bank records, consultancy payments, and tender documents. Experts believe that digital trails, if preserved, could prove crucial in establishing a link between the accused and the alleged monetary malfeasance.

Legal Road Ahead

With the case now formally registered, both Sisodia and Jain could be summoned for questioning. Depending on how the probe proceeds, arrests are possible, especially if evidence of direct involvement surfaces. The accused have the right to challenge any coercive actions in court, but the nature of the allegations and the pattern of repeated corruption cases may weaken their defense.

The Enforcement Directorate may also open a parallel probe if evidence of money laundering emerges during the ACB’s investigation. Coordination between the ACB, CBI, and ED could result in a multi-agency crackdown on those implicated in the scam.

Public Sentiment and Governance Impact

The ₹2,000 crore classroom project had initially been hailed as a landmark effort to revamp the public education infrastructure in Delhi. It was widely promoted by AAP as a model of governance, used in both local and national campaigns to underscore the party’s commitment to quality education. However, with the current revelations, public trust may erode significantly.

For Delhi’s education sector, this could mean reduced public enthusiasm for future large-scale investments, unless stronger transparency measures are put in place. Stakeholders in education, including teachers and parent bodies, have expressed disappointment and disillusionment following the scam’s exposure.

Conclusion

The filing of this case by the Anti-Corruption Branch against Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain marks a critical juncture for the Aam Aadmi Party. While investigations will determine the final outcome, the current evidence and narrative suggest serious lapses in financial management, procedural integrity, and public accountability.

If the allegations are substantiated, it could trigger long-term political consequences for AAP, especially in Delhi and Punjab where it holds power. At the same time, it underscores the urgent need for institutional checks and transparent mechanisms in public infrastructure projects involving large financial outlays.

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