Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Saturday accused the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) of corruption in the allocation of housing units meant for slum dwellers, alleging that these flats were being sold illegally to ineligible individuals. Bharadwaj called for a thorough investigation into the alleged scam, highlighting the need for a probe by an independent judicial authority.
Addressing the media at a press conference, Bharadwaj outlined his concerns over the misuse of DDA flats that were initially intended to house displaced slum dwellers. According to the minister, these homes are being sold to individuals who are not entitled to them, undermining the original purpose of the initiative aimed at providing housing for the underprivileged.
Allegations of corruption
Bharadwaj claimed that corruption was rampant in the allocation process of these flats and that this misappropriation was taking place under the watch of Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinay Saxena, as well as the DDA, which functions under the Central government.
“These flats cannot be sacrificed to corruption without the consent of the Central government’s DDA,” Bharadwaj stated. “Such a big scam and corruption are happening right under the nose of the BJP LG, and it is not possible that Lieutenant Governor Vinay Saxena is unaware of it.”
Bharadwaj emphasized that the scandal involved selling these flats to individuals who do not qualify, effectively depriving the intended beneficiaries—displaced slum dwellers—of the homes they were promised by the government.
BJP accused of neglecting the poor
Bharadwaj further criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for being anti-poor, accusing them of consistently opposing policies and initiatives aimed at supporting the underprivileged. He alleged that the BJP has a track record of working against the interests of the poor, citing examples such as the party’s resistance to free electricity and water initiatives for low-income residents of Delhi.
“The BJP is always troubled by the poor and stands against them,” Bharadwaj charged. “When free electricity and water were given to the poor, the BJP opposed it. Now, these flats, which were meant for the poor, are being sold in black to other people. This is unacceptable and shows their disregard for the vulnerable sections of society.”
Call for independent investigation
The Delhi Minister called for an independent and transparent investigation into the alleged scam, insisting that only a sitting judge from the High Court or Supreme Court would be capable of carrying out a fair inquiry. Bharadwaj expressed doubt in the ability of agencies like the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) or the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct an impartial investigation, as they are both controlled by the Central government and the Lieutenant Governor.
“If the ACB or CBI investigates this case, it will likely be covered up, as these agencies work under the LG and the Central government,” Bharadwaj said. “So, this matter should be investigated by a sitting judge from the High Court or Supreme Court to ensure a transparent inquiry.”
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No response from DDA or BJP
As of the time of Bharadwaj’s press conference, no immediate response was available from the Delhi Development Authority or the BJP regarding the minister’s allegations. The DDA, which oversees the housing scheme in question, has not yet commented on the accusations of corruption, and the BJP has remained silent on the matter.
Bharadwaj’s allegations come at a time when housing for the poor remains a significant issue in Delhi, with several projects aimed at rehabilitating displaced slum dwellers facing delays or accusations of mismanagement. The minister’s call for a judicial probe has added pressure on the DDA and the Lieutenant Governor to address the concerns raised.
The accusations leveled by Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj point to serious concerns about the integrity of housing projects meant for the city’s poorest residents. With calls for an independent judicial inquiry and ongoing tensions between the AAP and BJP-led Central government, the issue is likely to gain further attention in the days to come. Bharadwaj’s allegations not only highlight the challenges faced by slum dwellers in securing housing but also raise broader questions about governance and accountability in public housing schemes.
