Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was confident on Thursday that the inquiry into alleged irregularities in the construction of his home would yield nothing, “just like the many that had come before it”.
Talking to the media, Kejriwal said this was not the first time an inquiry had been initiated against him. “This shows the Prime Minister is scared,” the politician said, whose Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is a member of the Opposition alliance I.N.D.I.A. Kejriwal claimed the central government has witch-hunted him ever since he became chief minister eight years ago. The AAP leader said the centre had previously accused him of masterminding scams such as in the liquor industry (policy), in schools, and on the roads, among others. “There have been more than 50 inquiries so far. More than 33 cases have been filed against me. They have not got anything. They will not get anything now either. I welcome this inquiry,” he added. Earlier this week, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiated a preliminary inquiry into alleged irregularities, including violations of tender rules, in the construction of Arvind Kejriwal’s new residence in Civil Lines.
The inquiry is looking into “irregularities and misconduct” by unidentified public servants of the Delhi government in connection with the construction.
According to CBI sources, the inquiry was initiated against “unknown public servants” of the Government of Delhi and some private persons. The chief minister has not been named in it. If the preliminary inquiry reveals a prima facie case, the CBI will then register a formal FIR and investigate further.