From free alcohol to free bus rides, the CBI is opening the truth of freebies Pandora’s Box of AAP

*Paromita Das

When Arvind Kejriwal entered Indian politics nearly ten years ago, the freebie promise was elevated to a completely new level. Though populist politics have always characterized Indian politics, just like those of other developing nations, and despite the fact that the Congress party won the election by promising hand-outs rather than jobs, Kejriwal’s entry brought this brand of politics to urban areas.

The congress party has frequently endured continuous criticism for their methods, which serve to emphasize leftists’ desperation. Arvind Kejriwal, the leader of the AAP and, sadly, the Delhi Chief Minister, has become a new friend who is also competing in the same race.

The muffler man has certainly generated a lot of buzz, which has permeated the atmosphere at CBI as well. The Aam Admi Party and its members are once again being questioned, this time about Delhi’s alcohol policy and the recent controversy surrounding DTC buses.

Delhi’s government is being questioned

According to a recent report, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has opened an investigation into claims of corruption in the Delhi government’s agreement to purchase and maintain 1,000 low-floor buses from DTC. A preliminary investigation has been opened and the case is being looked into. Following a 2021 letter from the Union Ministry of Home

Affairs recommending a CBI investigation into a Delhi Transport Corporation deal involving the purchase and Annual Maintenance Contract of 1,000 low-floor air-conditioned buses, the investigation into the corruption allegations was carried out.

The then-Lt Governor Anil Baijal established a committee to carry out the same, which also led to a few mistakes. Additionally, Govind Mohan, a former additional secretary for the Delhi government, emphasized the need for the central agency to conduct a preliminary investigation.

The Kejriwal administration asserts that it has been given a clean bill of health in the investigation underway. The complaint files from 2021 are still open, though.

Corruption resulted from Kejriwal’s freebies

The Aam Aadmi Party, which is led by Arvind Kejriwal, distributes flyers offering free services like water, electricity, transportation, health care, and education. It has repeatedly attempted to entice the general public with these giveaways in order to further its corrupt political agendas. And the most recent incident involving DTC buses is another one.

Regarding the allegations of corruption in low floor buses, it was discovered that the 12-year Annual Maintenance Contract, or AMC, cost Rs. 3,412 crore, while the purchase contract was for Rs 850 crore. In addition, JBM Auto and Tata Motors received a 70:30 split of the purchase tender. Additionally, JBM Auto was the L1 bidder in the AMC tendering.

Regarding the dispute, it was mentioned that the DTC issued two separate tenders last year; one for the purchase of 1,000 low-floor AC buses and the other for their AMC. A composite tender for both purposes may not have attracted bidders, the DTC reportedly reasoned. So, it made the decision to divide the process.

However, the situation raised questions when the three-member committee who were appointed pointed out that the AMC tender’s eligibility requirements “defeated the purpose of splitting the bids.” On the committee were former IAS OP Agarwal, Principal Secretary, K R Meena, Principal Secretary (vigilance), and Ashish Kundra, Principal Secretary.

The 11-page report of the committee also noted that the AMC promotes “cartelization” and “monopoly pricing.” It also stated that it “focused its attention solely on the AMC of the buses procurement process.” The Delhi government has refuted all of the accusations in the midst of all these impending corruption cases. The government claimed that there was a politically motivated plot against the Aam Aadmi Party after criticizing the BJP for stopping their corrupted activities. It has also stated that “the Centre Government has tried to harass the Delhi Government using the CBI” in light of the on-going CBI investigation.

The Delhi government, however, is oblivious to the fact that its own party members are unable to control their activities that are motivated by corruption. The liquor policy controversy experienced the same thing, which brought the party even more into the spotlight.

Conflicting alcohol laws

The Delhi government passed the excise policy of 2021–22 during the COVID 19 outbreak, when the pandemic shook the entire nation. Simply put, starting in 2021, the Delhi government will no longer be involved in the sale of alcoholic beverages. This included the closure of 600 or so government-run liquor stores. The goal was to revolutionise the liquor industry by making it more appealing and, in turn, increasing sales.

In addition to this, an L-38 license was also made available for hotels, farms, and banquet halls. This allowed them to serve alcohol from both India and other countries at any gatherings held on their property. The opposition criticized the Delhi government’s action for encouraging alcohol use and leaving the youth aimless after taking the effects of the decision into account. Other political parties have asserted that the Delhi government is opening liquor stores in response to its pledges of development and more schools.

It is important to remember that the Aam Aadmi Party, led by Arvind Kejriwal, has faced criticism before. Programs and schemes that have been in place for a while are now being revealed for what they really are. As a result of one such action by the Delhi government, Satyendra Jain and Manish Sisodia were detained.

Finally, it is clear that Arvind Kejriwal’s dirty closet is gradually coming to light, making it harder for him to maintain a clean slate.