Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Accuses AAP Of 'Corruption', Orders ACB Probe Into Barapullah Phase-3 Project Irregularities

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday (28 July) ordered the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) to investigate alleged irregularities in the construction of the Barapullah Phase-3 elevated corridor, blaming the previous AAP government for “corruption” and negligence, reported The Indian Express.

Gupta issued the directive during a meeting of the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC), which was also attended by PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh and senior officials.

The CM highlighted that the project, supposed to be completed in October 2017, was delayed and led to arbitration. The contractor was awarded Rs 120 crore, and after the High Court intervened in May 2023, the PWD paid Rs 175 crore, including interest and GST, during then-PWD Minister Atishi’s tenure.

“Concerns were raised over the PWD’s negligence and prolonged delays,” the CMO said . “The Chief Minister instructed senior officials to ensure its timely completion,” it added. Officials said Gupta also blamed AAP for not filing a review petition and ignoring the contractor’s earlier Rs 35-crore settlement offer.

Accusing PWD officials of possible complicity, Gupta said their actions would face vigilance scrutiny. “The payment to the contractor hampered other PWD schemes,” she noted.

Responding, AAP said the BJP’s “four-engine government” had failed to act meaningfully for citizens in six months, instead focusing on “raids, investigations, and baseless cases.”

Of the Rs 1,330 crore revised project cost, Rs 1,238.68 crore has been spent. The 3.5-km corridor will connect Mayur Vihar-I and AIIMS, easing traffic across East and South Delhi.

Also Read: Farm Loan Waiver Promise Triggers Surge In Agri NPAs At Maharashtra Cooperative Banks, While Public Sector Banks See A Decline