AAP’s Saurabh Bharadwaj Calls Out BJP Over ED Raids

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) President Saurabh Bharadwaj has publicly challenged leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to disclose the locations of alleged properties linked to him, following recent raids conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) at his residence. During a padyatra on Sunday, Bharadwaj expressed his frustration with local BJP representatives spreading rumors about his ownership of multiple mansions and farmhouses.

In a statement to ANI, Bharadwaj extended a challenge to Virendra Sachdeva, the Delhi BJP President, and MLA Shikha Rai, urging them to hold a press conference to reveal the supposed locations of these properties. He stated, “Local BJP workers have been spreading the information that I have farmhouses and Kothis at various places. I am asking them to tell me about them and the ED. If I get to know, I will give Rs 25 lakhs as a reward.”

Bharadwaj criticized the current law and order situation in Delhi, attributing the decline to the politicization of the police, which he claims has led to increased insecurity among residents. He pointed to a recent incident where a sewadar at Kalkaji Mandir was reportedly killed, emphasizing the deteriorating safety conditions in the city. “There is no law and order in Delhi today. No one feels safe,” he stated.

In response to the ED’s actions, which began on August 28, 2023, Bharadwaj took to social media to express gratitude to his supporters. He noted that party leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal and Sanjay Singh, stood by him until the early hours of the morning after the raid. He claimed that his phone was confiscated by ED officials, leading him to communicate his appreciation through his Twitter account.

The raid on Bharadwaj’s residence is part of an investigation into alleged irregularities in hospital construction projects in Delhi. The ED conducted searches at 13 locations across the Delhi-NCR region, operating under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). These actions are linked to an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) concerning the Delhi Hospital Construction Scam, which involves allegations against former Health Ministers and various contractors.

Bharadwaj’s statements and the ongoing investigations highlight the tensions between AAP and BJP, particularly as the political landscape in Delhi continues to evolve. The AAP leader’s call for transparency from his opponents adds a layer of complexity to the scrutiny faced by his party amid these legal challenges.

As the situation unfolds, Bharadwaj’s challenge to the BJP may further escalate political tensions in Delhi, raising questions about accountability and governance in the capital.