BJP, AAP Clash Over 'Scam' in Jai Bhim Scheme

AAP, BJP trade allegations as corruption probe begins in Delhi welfare scheme.

- TIKAM SHARMA

A heated political confrontation has erupted in Delhi between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over alleged financial irregularities amounting to Rs 145 crore under the "Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana"—a scheme initiated to offer free coaching to economically and socially disadvantaged students.

Both political camps have exchanged sharp accusations, with BJP leveling charges of large-scale corruption, and AAP alleging a systematic effort by the BJP to dismantle welfare programs.

Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood disclosed that Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had pushed for an inquiry into the alleged scam, which led Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena to instruct the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) to launch a formal investigation.

Sood alleged that the previous AAP-led administration misappropriated funds from the scheme during the COVID-19 pandemic by working in collusion with private coaching centers to divert public money.

"While projecting images of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar for political gain, AAP dishonored his principles by transforming a social welfare scheme into a hub of corruption," Sood stated during a media interaction.