Kejriwal bought two high-end phones beyond budget cap during AAP rule, says Sood

With the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) objecting to the increase in budget allocation for the CM and Ministers to purchase mobile phones, Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood on Thursday alleged that AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal had bought expensive phones exceeding the budgetary allocation when he was the CM

.Addressing a press conference, Mr. Sood said that in 2013, the Chief Minister was allocated ₹50,000 and Ministers ₹45,000 to purchase mobile phones. At that time, AAP leaders had purchased mobile phones “exceeding the limit” and had pressurised the department concerned to pay the extra amount, he alleged.

“Moreover, during the COVID-19 period, Arvind Kejriwal purchased two mobile phones worth ₹1.40 lakh and ₹1.64 lakh. [Former Deputy Chief Minister] Manish Sisodia, too, purchased two phones costing ₹1.66 lakh and ₹1.37 lakh,” the Minister said.

Responding to the allegations, AAP accused the BJP leaders of “trying to cover up the corruption”. “Kejriwalji honoured every promise he made to the people of Delhi,” the party said.

Mr. Sood alleged that former Chief Minister Atishi also purchased a phone worth ₹1.27 lakh in 2023, despite being entitled to reimbursement of only ₹45,000.

The Minister clarified that mobile phones are no longer an “item of luxury”, and Ministers and officials are using them to receive complaints through e-mail and WhatsApp and get updates and reports of issues faced by the people.

The Delhi government has recently revised the funds for purchasing mobile phones, allocating ₹1.5 lakh for the Chief Minister and ₹1.25 lakh for Ministers.