AAP threatens to launch anti-graft units in Delhi

Demanding the removal of Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) chief Mukesh Kumar Meena, the AAP on Saturday said if the central government and Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung interfere in their work, the party will set up several anti-corruption units here.

"To fight against corruption several small anti-corruption units will be established in different wards of the state. The AAP will regulate these units while the Delhi government will do its work," party leader Kumar Vishwas said at a press conference.

The Aam Aadmi Party leader accused the central government and the Lt. Governor of interfering in the functioning of the ACB.

Kumar Vishwas said his party would constitute such units controlled by party volunteers if the central government and the Lt. Governor try to weaken their anti-corruption movement.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Friday said ACB chief Meena was accused of money laundering and a probe was ordered against him in May.

"How a person (Meena) whose name surfaced in the hawala racket and curtain scam, can be made the head of an anti-graft body," he said.

Meena was appointed ACB chief by Lt. Governor Jung on June 8 superseding Additional Commissioner S.S. Yadav. The Delhi government has objected to the appointment of Meena.

Hitting out at the Lt. Governor, AAP leader Dilip Pandey said Meena was deliberately appointed to a post which does not even exist in the ACB.

"Meena does not want to abolish corruption. His interest is only in the files related to the corruption in the police department."

"Meena is creating hindrance in the proper functioning of the ACB. In the last one month not even a single FIR was lodged in the ACB. Meena should be removed from the post of ACB chief," Pandey said.

Pandey said the prime agenda of his party was to fight corruption.

"We cannot tolerate corruption. The AAP is committed to abolish corruption. This party was born out of an anti-corruption movement so we will re-launch that movement on our party level," Pandey said.