AAP's Saurabh Bharadwaj alleges ₹22,000 crore rice scam plan by Delhi govt

Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj has accused the Delhi government of orchestrating a ₹22,000 crore scam involving subsidised rice. The allegation, made public on Sunday, has triggered a political storm in the national capital.

Bharadwaj, a former minister in the Delhi cabinet, claimed that the scheme was designed to divert funds meant for the public distribution system. He said that the plan involved irregularities in the procurement and distribution of rice, leading to massive financial losses for the state exchequer.

Allegations of a planned fraud

The AAP leader alleged that the purported scam was not a mere lapse but a deliberate, planned fraud. He asserted that the amount involved, ₹22,000 crore, is indicative of a deeply entrenched system of corruption.

Bharadwaj claimed that the modus operandi involved inflating costs and manipulating records related to subsidised rice. He said that the beneficiaries were denied their due rations while the money was siphoned off through fake entries and shell entities.

Political reactions and demands

The former minister has demanded a thorough, time-bound investigation into the matter. He urged the central agencies to step in, citing the scale of the alleged fraud.

His remarks have drawn sharp responses from political rivals. The BJP and other opposition parties have seized on the allegations to question the Delhi government's transparency, while the ruling dispensation has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

Context and previous disputes

This is not the first time the issue of subsidised food grains has sparked a row in Delhi. The city has seen frequent tussles between the elected government and the central administration over control of the food supply chain.

The AAP has often accused the Centre of obstructing welfare schemes, and the latest allegation adds another layer to the ongoing friction. However, Bharadwaj's claim specifically targets the Delhi government's role, marking a distinct shift in the narrative.

What lies ahead

Officials have not yet confirmed the details of the alleged scam, and no formal complaint has been lodged so far. The coming days are likely to see heightened political exchanges, with the AAP leader expected to provide further evidence to back his claims.

The matter is now set to be a focal point in the city's political discourse, and observers will watch whether the Delhi government responds with a counter-charge or an inquiry.