Kejriwal strikes defiant note on DDCA probe, Subramanium asks NSA for officers to assist in probe

Advocate Subramanium, who is heading the probe, made a strong pitch for live telecast of the proceedings to make it transparent

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal defied the Centre to declare the Delhi government probe into the DDCA scam 'illegal', making it clear that it will not impact the ongoing inquiry commission under senior advocate Gopal Subramanium. Meanwhile Subramanium has written to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, seeking names of competent officers from IB, CBI and Delhi Police to assist in the probe. Interestingly, Delhi's Lt Governor Najeeb Jung had already declared the probe to be illegal. Refusal to provide personnel could lead to another face off between the Centre and the Delhi government.

Kejriwal today tweeted, "Is it true that MHA has sent DDCA file to PM to decide whether to declare Enquiry Commission illegal. What will PM do- declare it illegal or allow enquiry? Though it will have no impact on ongoing enquiry commission."

The AAP government has questioned the role of the FM Arun Jaitley during his stint as DDCA chief from 1999 to 2013.

Subramanium, the former Solicitor General, told a television channel, "The reason to seek his (Doval's) help is also his ability to judge if there is any issue relating to the security which I am very particular about in the matter as anything may come up during the investigation". He added that his request to Doval is part of the inquiry procedure which calls for appropriate "logistical infrastructure" before beginning the probe.

The senior advocate has already asserted that the probe was legal and within the rights of the Delhi Assembly to order an inquiry.

It would be interesting to see if the Centre accedes to Subramanium's request, denial of which would lead to opening of a fresh front against the Centre.

Subramanium also wrote to Kejriwal requesting the CM to send the names of five "outstanding" investigative officers from the Anti-Corruption Branch with their dossiers to assist in the investigation.

Declaring himself to be a cricket enthusiast, he had made a strong pitch for live telecast of the proceedings to make it transparent.

Speaking to a television news channel, Kejriwal again reiterated his charge against the PM urging him not to interfere with the functioning of Delhi government and its attempts to bring in transparency. He alleged that all sorts of massive irregularities including demanding sexual favours in selection of players were rampant in the DDCA.

Hitting out at the CM for maligning Prime Minister Modi, BJP's national secretary Shrikant Sharma said, "Arvind Kejriwal is conspiring to destroy country's image in the world by using objectionable words against the Prime Minister, who has enhanced this image across the world. You are insulting the country and its people, especially those in Delhi who elected you with a huge majority".