BJP reaches graft control body in number plate scam

NEW DELHI: The leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have now cornered the AAP government over alleged corruption in the distribution of high-security number

NEW DELHI: The leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have now cornered the AAP government over alleged corruption in the distribution of high-security number plates for vehicles.

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BJP national secretary RP Singh and Delhi BJP spokesperson Harish Khurana have filed a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Branch against the private concessionaire and AAP government.

In the complaint, the BJP leaders alleged the tender was awarded in March 2012 to Rosmerta HSRP Ventures Pvt. Ltd, a company with doubtful credentials. “After the award of the contract, the transport department received several complaints but the department overlooked the illegalities and regulations. AAP government, during its 49-day tenure had taken the allegation seriously and constituted a committee. The committee had submitted its report confirming the irregularities. Despite the adverse findings of the committee, the AAP government did not terminate the contract with the concessionaire,” said Khurana.

As per the complaint, since two lakh vehicle are registered every month in Delhi, nearly 30 lakh vehicles were registered during the 15 months of AAP government. The average notified price in Delhi is Rs 119 but Rs 1,200 is being charged as mentioned by the committee report. Taking these figures into account, the scam is worth Rs 300 crore.

RP Singh demanded a special session of Delhi assembly to discuss the scam. “They have called sessions on every small issue then why not to discuss scams that AAP government allowed to continue,” said Singh.

“This issue is pending before arbitrator, there is no illegal plates were supplied by us. There is no question of any illegality,” said a spokesperson of Rosmerta.

Delhi BJP president Satish Upadhyay has said Delhi government should clarify its position on the number plate scam.

ACB chief MK Meena has confirmed that the complaint has been received and an inquiry has been initiated.