AAP targets Jaitley on DDCA scam, says CBI raid a cover-up

The Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday claimed that the main objective of the raid of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at the Delhi Secretariat was to prevent the alleged graft taking place in the District Cricket Association (DDCA) during Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's tenure as its president from coming to light.

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The AAP said all attempts made by the Delhi Government to investigate the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) scam have been thwarted by the Centre.

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"Under Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's tenure, a budget of Rs 24 crores was approved to reconstruct the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) stadium, whereas Rs. 114 crore was spent. Where is rest Rs 90 crore? A loan of Rs 1 crore 55 lakh was granted to three companies by the DDCA, the reason behind this grant was not given," said AAP spokesperson Raghav Chadha, while addressing media at the Constitutional Club of India here.

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Chadha further alleged that payments were made to companies who had never done any job.

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"We demand Arun Jaitley ji to publicly declare what is his relationship with Narendra Batra ji who was DDCA Treasurer. Dummy companies were set up to steal money from the DDCA. This has been going on for a long time. Five companies were paid lakhs of rupees. Their registered office, email, directors, shareholders are same. Payments have been made to companies which have never done any job, work or assignments. Unauthorised construction done without MCD approval," he added.

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Demanding Jaitley's resignation, Chadha said that Jaitley has been running DDCA like a club for the rich.

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Lashing out at Jaitley, AAP leader Kumar Vishwas further added that Jaitley is holding a responsible post, therefore, he needs to be held accountable for all of his actions.

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Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleges that the CBI had searched for files linked to the DDCA or Delhi and District Cricket Association in his office on Tuesday. The raids were aimed at seizing these files to help Mr Jaitley, he said, adding that the raid team did not take the documents away only because he had highlighted this in the media.

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Jaitley has rubbished the allegations made by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of "gross financial irregularities" saying that such charges were "absolutely rubbish".

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"Their strategy revolves around spit and run," said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu.

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Another minister, Ravi Shankar Prasad, said Mr Jaitley's honesty and integrity were well-known. "The fact is, Kejriwal and his government are cornered, after trying to shelter a corrupt officer. Why has AAP taken up this issue, when it's in deep trouble itself?"

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Jaitley was the president of the DDCA for 13 years till December, 2013.