Over 50 per cent funds remained unused in Delhi, AAP claims

NEW DELHI: Attacking the BJP-led central government, Aam Aadmi Party today claimed that more than half of Delhi's developmental funds or around Rs 9000 crore remained unspent during President rule in the city.

It alleged that after failing to use the funds, the Delhi administration was planning to launch new projects at the behest of BJP with an eye on forthcoming assembly election.

Addressing a news conference, AAP leaders Manish Sisodia, Ashish Khetan and Sanjay Singh alleged that around 55-60 per cent of the funds allocated by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitely in the budget for the national capital remained unused because Delhi was ruled "without any direction" by the BJP's Central government.

"Around 55-60 per cent of the development funds have remained unspent in last seven months and these are related to vital infrastructure projects, education, health, water and social welfare sectors.

"Now that the elections are approaching, Delhi's chief secretary held a meeting with all the heads of the department asking them to expedite spending of funds. Can the Delhi administration deny that on November 17, the chief secretary had convened a meeting of all secretaries and directed them to ensure foundation laying stone ceremonies of some projects quickly?

"Even a Union Minister held a meeting with the chief secretary and all seven BJP MPs to take a stock of the pending projects, which could be initiated before the elections," Khetan said.

AAP alleged that it was a conspiracy hatched by the BJP to keep people of Delhi away from development.

"The planned outlay for different sectors was around Rs 19066 crore. The BJP has been asking votes for good governance? How can this mis-governance be good governance?

"Around Rs 9000 crore were not spent since last seven months. After the elections are declared, no new projects can be launched till the polls are over and the people will suffer. Even this fund will lapse after the financial year," former Delhi PWD minister Manish Sisodia said.