The Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out raids at the residence of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bharadwaj on Monday. The move came as part of an ongoing probe into the alleged Rs 5,500 crore hospital construction scam in Delhi. Bharadwaj, who serves as Delhi’s Health Minister, has consistently rejected corruption charges. He claimed that the central government is misusing investigative agencies to target AAP leaders.
The raid on Bharadwaj’s home started early in the morning and lasted for several hours. According to ED officials, the searches focused on financial documents, electronic records, and contracts linked to hospital projects. Officers believe irregularities in construction tenders and funds allocation may point to large-scale corruption.
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Political reactions to ED action
Soon after the raids became public, AAP leaders condemned the move and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of political vendetta. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal issued a sharp statement, calling the raid an attempt to silence his party. He stressed that BJP wants to weaken AAP because it has emerged as a strong opposition force.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders outside AAP also reacted to the developments. Congress spokespersons claimed that the ruling party has turned investigative agencies into tools of intimidation. However, BJP leaders defended the ED’s action, arguing that no politician should be above the law. They insisted that corruption allegations in hospital construction projects must be investigated thoroughly to ensure accountability.
The hospital scam investigation
The case relates to alleged irregularities in the construction of government hospitals in Delhi. Officials estimate the scam to be worth Rs 5,500 crore. The ED believes that funds allocated for improving healthcare infrastructure were diverted through inflated contracts, ghost vendors, and misuse of tenders.
According to sources, the investigation began after complaints highlighted cost escalations in several projects. Whistleblowers claimed that contractors linked to political leaders received special favors. Investigators now suspect that multiple layers of corruption may have siphoned off money meant for public welfare.
Saurabh Bharadwaj has denied any role in the scandal. He argued that the hospital projects aimed to strengthen Delhi’s healthcare system. He further maintained that all tenders followed due process. However, ED officials stated that they have collected evidence suggesting serious irregularities.
AAP’s defence and counter-allegations
Bharadwaj spoke to the media after the raid, reiterating his stand that the case is politically motivated. He alleged that the central government is using ED and CBI to weaken state governments run by opposition parties. He also pointed out that several AAP leaders, including Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, have faced similar probes in recent years.
AAP spokespersons echoed Bharadwaj’s claims, arguing that BJP wants to deflect attention from its failures. They said that rather than improving healthcare and jobs, the ruling party prefers to attack its opponents. The party vowed to fight the case both legally and politically.
Opposition questions timing of raids
Many political observers highlighted the timing of the raid. With elections approaching in several states, the action against an AAP leader has sparked debate. Critics argued that central agencies tend to act aggressively against opposition leaders just before key elections. This pattern, they said, raises concerns about the independence of investigative bodies.
Analysts also noted that the raids could impact AAP’s election strategy. Saurabh Bharadwaj plays a significant role in the party’s Delhi unit. Any prolonged legal battle might restrict his political activities at a crucial time. Yet, others believe that AAP could use the raid to gain sympathy among voters by portraying itself as a victim of political harassment.
What comes next in the probe
The ED confirmed that it will continue investigating the financial transactions related to hospital construction. Officials stated that the raids at Bharadwaj’s home form part of a broader probe. Several contractors and bureaucrats may also face questioning in the coming weeks. If investigators gather enough evidence, the case could lead to arrests and court proceedings.
Legal experts explained that such corruption probes often take months, or even years, to reach a conclusion. However, the political consequences unfold much faster. Allegations alone can tarnish a leader’s reputation, even before a court verdict. This is why parties on both sides are aggressively shaping the narrative around the case.
Public opinion and healthcare concerns
Beyond politics, the case has revived public concerns about healthcare infrastructure in Delhi. Citizens worry that corruption in hospital projects directly affects patients. Many argue that funds lost in scams translate into fewer facilities, delayed projects, and poor services. Public health activists stressed that accountability in such cases is crucial to restore trust in government institutions.
Meanwhile, Bharadwaj continues to emphasize his contributions to Delhi’s health sector. He highlighted AAP’s efforts in improving mohalla clinics and expanding hospital facilities. Supporters argue that targeting leaders like him undermines initiatives aimed at affordable healthcare.
The ED raids AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj’s residence have created ripples in both politics and public debate. While investigators pursue financial irregularities linked to hospital construction, the political war of words intensifies. AAP portrays the raid as a witch hunt, while BJP defends it as a necessary step against corruption. As the probe deepens, the case will likely remain at the center of national attention.
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