New Delhi (India), January 18: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Delhi Chief Virendra Sachdeva on Saturday accused AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal of having a 40% increase in income during the COVID-19 period of 2020-21, demanding an explanation from the Delhi Chief Minister.
Addressing a press conference, Sachdeva remarked, “During the COVID period in 2020-21, Kejriwal’s income increased by 40%. He has remained silent on this issue, which still remains unanswered. As the Delhi elections approach, he must explain where this money came from.”
Sachdeva also targeted AAP leader Manish Sisodia, alleging that the Delhi Deputy CM took a loan of ₹1.5 crore from three private individuals to fund his son’s education. He claimed the loan was not sourced from a bank but from personal friends, one of whom, Umesh Chand Mittal, provided ₹86 lakh without interest. The others reportedly lent ₹9-10 lakh and ₹58 lakh, respectively.
The BJP leader linked the loan to the controversial liquor policy, noting that the CAG report had highlighted a ₹2,026 crore misappropriation in the liquor scam. “This is a serious matter and warrants investigation,” he said, further questioning Sisodia about the source of the funds and the lack of transparency regarding the Sheesh Mahal.
BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj also joined the criticism, urging Sisodia to clarify the origin of the loan. “You have held a constitutional position, and as Deputy CM, you are accountable to the public. We demand answers about these private loans and whether they are legitimate,” Swaraj said.
The Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, with vote counting to take place on February 8. The last date for withdrawal of candidatures is January 20. In the 2020 elections, AAP won 62 out of 70 seats, while the BJP secured 8 seats.