DDCA row: BJP demands apology from Kejriwal

The DDCA row intensified on Sunday with the BJP demanding a public apology from Arvind Kejriwal for levelling allegations of irregularities against Union finance minister Arun Jaitley and the AAP hitting back accusing the finance minister of “running away” from a probe.

Continuing its attack on Mr Jaitley, the Aam Aadmi Party challenged him to face an inquiry by an independent agency over his alleged involvement in financial irregularities in the DDCA.

The party also said Mr Jaitley and the BJP were “misinterpreting” the findings of the three-member committee, constituted by the Delhi government, and trying to project that the report gives Mr Jaitley a clean chit.

The AAP also asked why there was no demand for a probe into the matter from the government or the BJP when it claimed that Mr Jaitely was innocent.

“Interesting to see how some media houses are desperately trying to prove Jaitley ji innocent. Why is Jaitley ji afraid of facing enquiry That’s the difference between BJP and AAP. AAP takes strong and swift action on credible evidence. BJP defends corruption and runs away from investigation,” chief minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted.

The AAP also fielded Ashutosh, Deepak Bajpai — one of the leaders sued by Mr Jaitley for defamation — to counter the BJP’s claims. “If the BJP is so confident that he is clean then why is it running away from investigation They should take it to a logical conclusion. Why is Jaitley running away from enquiry and investigation.

Even the PM has said you should follow Mr Advani and resign till he comes out clean. He should come forward and present an example before the nation. Earlier, they rubbished the committee report, but now they are considering it as a sacred book.

The report also states that there should be a commission of inquiry into the matter. A whistleblower had alerted the Delhi government well in advance that the formation of the commission will be scuttled through the lieutenant-governor,” Ashutosh claimed.