Manish Sisodia Skips ACB Inquiry Over Alleged Corruption in Delhi Schools

Manish Sisodia Fails to Attend ACB Inquiry

Former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, did not attend the inquiry conducted by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) on Monday regarding alleged corruption in the construction of classrooms in government schools. Official sources confirmed this information. The ACB had summoned Sisodia, along with former PWD Minister Satyendar Jain, for questioning. Jain appeared before the ACB on Friday, where he was interrogated for over five hours.

An ACB source stated, "Sisodia's lawyer informed us that he would not be able to attend today. He will be summoned again." According to sources from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Sisodia had prior commitments that prevented him from appearing before the ACB. Party insiders mentioned that his lawyer has sent a response to the ACB. The ACB registered a case on April 30, based on allegations of financial irregularities amounting to ₹2,000 crores in the construction of over 12,000 classrooms or semi-permanent structures in Delhi's schools, which led to the issuance of the summons.

Political Reactions to the Inquiry

On Saturday, BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh called for the Election Commission to impose an immediate ban on AAP leaders campaigning in the upcoming by-election for the Ludhiana West Assembly seat, as they face criminal charges. Chugh expressed strong objections to AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia campaigning in the constituency, demanding that they be barred from entering the area. Both Kejriwal and Sisodia are accused in the Delhi excise policy case.