BJP raises questions over Kejriwal, Sisodia’s income, loan disclosures

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva and New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj have raised concerns over the income and loan disclosures of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, the BJP leaders sought clarification over “discrepancies” in the financial records of the AAP leaders, claiming that the figures raised suspicions among citizens.

Sachdeva questioned how the declared income of Kejriwal — a retired income tax officer and a former Chief Minister — was lower than the per capita income of the city.

He claimed that Kejriwal’s income tax returns over the last decade appeared inconsistent, especially given the fact that his income surged 40 times in a year during the COVID pandemic when the controversial liquor policy was formulated.

“How could his income increase so drastically in one year?” Sachdeva said.

The BJP president also questioned Sisodia’s election affidavit. “The savings figures in Sisodia’s affidavit appear normal, like that of any middle-class family. However, when we examine the education loan amount of Rs 1.5 crore attributed to him, it seems to indicate potential manipulation,” Sachdeva said. The loans were allegedly provided by three of Sisodia’s acquaintances, Romesh Chand Mittal, Deepali and Gunita Arora, who had lent him Rs 86 lakh, Rs 10 lakh and Rs 58 lakh, respectively, during the controversial liquor policy period.

Swaraj echoed these concerns, stating that Kejriwal and Sisodia needed to be transparent with the people of Delhi. “Kejriwal and Sisodia must understand that silence will not resolve this matter. Kejriwal needs to explain how his income could be so low, and Sisodia must clarify why he sought loans from individuals instead of banks,” Swaraj said.

“Typically, we take long-term educational loans from banks. However, Sisodia borrowed Rs 1.5 crore for his son’s education from business associates during the liquor policy era, which is highly unusual,” said Sachdeva.