The ACB, reporting to the Delhi Lieutenant Governor, issued formal summons to both Sisodia and Jain for questioning this week. Sources in the anti-graft agency stated that their interrogation aims to establish whether the ministers were aware of, or complicit in, any procedural violations related to the classroom construction projects.
“The summons have been issued as part of due legal process. Both Mr. Sisodia and Mr. Jain are required to assist with clarifications regarding the roles they played and the decisions taken at the departmental level,” a senior ACB official said on condition of anonymity.
Key Figures React
Manish Sisodia, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), addressed the development:
“This is nothing but politically motivated harassment. The people of Delhi have witnessed a transformation in their schools. The so-called scam is a desperate ploy to defame genuine improvements in education.”
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) spokesperson Reena Gupta defended the former ministers:
“The ACB, at the behest of the BJP-led Centre, is targeting honest officers and former ministers on baseless allegations. Instead of appreciating the radical education reforms, which are now a model for the world, authorities are trying to distract from their failures.”
In contrast, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva called the development a “vindication” of persistent demands for accountability.
“Our party exposed the brazen misuse of public funds in the name of education. Those responsible for this scam must face the law,” he told reporters.
Context: Anti-Corruption Branch’s Role and Previous Investigations
The Delhi ACB, working in coordination with the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), has examined several official documents, tender records, and internal audit reports connected with the classroom construction contracts. In 2023, the CVC pointed out “serious irregularities” in the expansion of school infrastructure, recommending further criminal investigation.
A 2019 report by the Delhi government’s vigilance department flagged “exorbitant rates, procedural lapses, and suspected collusion with select contractors.” Since then, the probe has seen several stops and starts, with opposition parties using the issue as a major point of attack against the AAP government.
Wider Implications: Education Reforms under Scrutiny
The case comes at a critical juncture for Delhi’s much-publicized education reforms, for which the AAP government has earned national and international accolades. However, the ongoing probe has provided ammunition to AAP’s critics, who allege that high spending masked underlying irregularities.
“The allegations, if substantiated, are a setback to the credibility of a government that had prided itself on its education revolution,” said Prof. Pushpesh Pant, policy analyst and former Jawaharlal Nehru University faculty. “It’s vital that the law takes its course and due process is respected.”
What Happens Next?
The ACB’s questioning of the high-profile leaders is expected to take place later this week. Authorities indicate that the investigation is at a “critical stage,” and further action—including possible charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act—could follow, pending the outcome of these interrogations and additional evidence collection.
Legal experts emphasize that a thorough and transparent probe is essential both for justice and for preserving public confidence in the oversight of government expenditure.
