Expressing displeasure over Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) Vinai Kumar Saxena’s order to probe allegations of corruption against senior Public Works Department (PWD) officials in building seven temporary hospitals, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Tuesday urged Saxena to withdraw the said order which is incorrect both in terms of law and also in terms of effective governance.
In a letter to the L-G, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the same complaint was presented to the then L-G Anil Baijal and he found no substance in it.
“So far, Central Government agencies have conducted innumerable investigations against us but could not detect any wrongdoing in any case. We never oppose any investigations because we take great pride in our honesty and integrity.
However, there cannot be repeated examination of the same case by successive constitutional authorities,” Sisodia stated in the letter.
Sisodia's comments came days after Saxena gave his nod to the ACB to probe allegations of irregularities in the construction of seven temporary hospitals during the Covid pandemic.
“Therefore, I am of the considered opinion that the present decision of the Lt-Governor is incorrect both in terms of law and also in terms of effective governance. Accordingly, the permission to the ACB may kindly be withdrawn.
The Government would like to work with Lt-Governor on the principle of mutual respect and mutual cooperation,” reads the letter.
“Such repeated enquiries on the basis of frivolous complaints affect decision-making and severely affects governance. Why does the Lt-Governor think that his predecessor did not do a thorough examination? Kindly have faith in your predecessor. He closed the case after conducting thorough enquiries,” Sisodia questioned in his letter.
“If you are really keen to act against corruption, I would advise you to call for corruption complaints from the public. You will receive innumerable complaints against the MCD, Delhi Police and DDA. They have become dens of corruption.
Let’s rise above party lines and collectively remove corruption from where it exists. We will fully cooperate with you, if you initiate any such exercise,” Sisodia further stated in letter.
“I am reiterating that we are not afraid of any investigation, but you have to follow the legal procedure. Section 17 of the Prevention of Corruption Act says that no police officer, which in this case is ACB, can conduct any inquiry or investigation into any offence alleged to have been committed by a public servant, which is an engineer involved in the present case,” said Sisodia, while addressing a press conference.
BJP MP from Northeast Delhi Manoj Tiwari, who had complained about matter, had alleged that Arvind Kejriwal Government had passed tenders worth Rs 1,216 crore to construction seven temporary hospitals, which was later raised to Rs 1,256 crore.
