In a politically charged development, former Delhi ministers Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain have been summoned by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) in connection with an alleged ₹2,000 crore scam concerning the construction of classrooms in Delhi government schools. The summons come as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities and corruption during the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s tenure.

According to official sources, Satyendar Jain has been asked to appear before the ACB on June 6, while Manish Sisodia is scheduled for questioning on June 9. Both leaders, once key faces of AAP’s administrative machinery, now face serious accusations that may impact the political landscape of Delhi.

The Alleged ₹2,000 Crore Classroom Construction Scam

The case dates back to a complaint received by the ACB in April 2024, following which a First Information Report (FIR) was officially registered on April 30, 2025. The matter revolves around the construction of 12,748 classrooms (including semi-permanent structures) undertaken during the AAP government’s administration in Delhi.

The project, initially intended to enhance government school infrastructure, has come under scrutiny due to massive cost escalations and suspected procedural violations. The ACB alleges that 34 construction contracts were awarded, many of which were reportedly linked to AAP-affiliated individuals or entities.

ACB Chief Madhur Verm stated that their investigation points to serious discrepancies in the tendering process, delays in execution, inflated costs, and nepotistic allocation of contracts. These alleged acts of misgovernance have ballooned into what is being considered one of Delhi’s biggest administrative corruption cases in recent memory.

Role of Sisodia and Jain

The charges acquire additional gravity because of the high-profile portfolios held by the two leaders during the implementation of the classroom project:

• Manish Sisodia, a trusted aide of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, held the Finance and Education portfolios, making him a central figure in the classroom initiative.

• Satyendar Jain, another key AAP figure, was the Minister for Health, Industries, Urban Development, PWD, and several other departments at the time.

Due to the overlapping responsibilities of the Education and PWD departments, both leaders are now being held accountable for decisions and lapses made in project approvals, tendering, and execution.

AAP Cries Foul, Accuses BJP of Vendetta Politics

Reacting swiftly to the ACB summons, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) launched a counter-offensive against the BJP, calling the probe a politically motivated attack. In a strongly worded statement, the party dismissed the allegations as fabricated and part of a larger plan to defame and destabilize AAP's leadership.

“This is not a scam in any sense — it is a deliberate political strategy by the BJP. They are misusing institutions to target AAP leaders and spread a false narrative,” the AAP said in its official response.

AAP further criticized the BJP for allegedly weakening the ACB during their previous interventions in Delhi’s governance structure. The party argued that the same institution, now without independent authority, is being used as a political tool to settle scores ahead of critical political developments, including the upcoming municipal and assembly elections.

Political and Legal Implications

This case threatens to significantly alter the public image of AAP, especially after the party projected itself as a corruption-free alternative to the traditional political outfits in India. The alleged involvement of top-tier ministers such as Sisodia and Jain in a scam of this magnitude could dampen voter sentiment, especially among urban middle-class and education-focused constituents.

On the legal front, the summons do not yet imply guilt, but they do indicate that both individuals are formally under investigation and may be charged if the ACB’s inquiry yields incriminating evidence. Sources suggest that further interrogations, forensic audits, and cross-departmental inquiries are already underway.

The Public Works Department (PWD), now under new leadership, has also been asked to submit all documentation related to the classroom construction project, including project approvals, tender documents, contractor details, and payment records.

Public Reactions and Social Media Buzz

The development has triggered widespread public debate and intense discussions on social media, with hashtags like #DelhiClassroomScam, #SisodiaSummoned, and #AAPUnderScanner trending across platforms. While critics of AAP have called it "proof of systemic corruption," party supporters have pointed to previous instances where similar allegations did not lead to convictions.

Prominent political analysts have highlighted how this investigation could become a turning point for opposition unity or fragmentation, depending on how AAP navigates the crisis and whether other parties rally in its support or distance themselves to maintain credibility.

Conclusion: Trial by Investigation or Trial by Politics?

As Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain prepare for their respective hearings, the political climate in Delhi is set to become increasingly volatile. The ₹2,000 crore classroom scam investigation now stands at the intersection of governance accountability and political maneuvering.

While the ACB continues its inquiry, and judicial proceedings may follow, what’s at stake is not just the careers of two politicians but also the reputation of a political movement that built its foundation on transparency and clean governance.

Whether this episode ultimately leads to legal convictions, political damage control, or further polarization, the Delhi classroom construction case is likely to remain in the public eye for weeks—if not months—to come. As citizens, stakeholders, and observers await further developments, the broader debate on the politicization of investigative agencies is set to intensify, reflecting deeper fissures in India’s contemporary democratic framework.

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