BJP demands probe into Kejriwal's legal expenses (Lead)

New Delhi, April 5 : The BJP on Wednesday urged Lt Governor Anil Baijal for a time-bound inquiry into the Delhi government's decision to use public money for paying Rs 3.4 crore to noted lawyer Ram Jethmalani for fighting the defamation case against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vijender Gupta, also Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, met Baijal along with other BJP members and demanded an inquiry into the matter.

"To pay for personal legal matter out of public money is criminal breach of trust by Kejriwal. We demand time bound probe to bring guilty to book," he said.

Gupta alleged the Delhi government tried to "hide" the details of its decision by specifically ordering its departments not to send the files concerned to the Lt Governor's office. 

"They just sent a one page note to the LG for post-facto approval.

"The issue wreaks of criminal conspiracy. The seriousness of the issue could be gauged from the fact that all efforts were made to hide facts from the Lt Governor," he said.

Gupta demanded criminal proceedings to be initiated against Kejriwal and others involved in what he alleged to be "criminal act of misusing public funds and the subverting constitutional procedure".

"Over the last six months, the complete file was not sent to the Lt Governor despite several reminders. It is beyond understanding why the government did not send over the file despite being asked repeatedly," he said.

He also accused Kejriwal of misusing the post of the Chief Minister for personal gains.

"It is Kejriwal's personal matter and has no relationship with Delhi government. Hence the decision to pay Jethmalani through public exchequer is a criminal offence," he said.

Interacting reporters after the meeting, Gupta said the Lt Governor had assured him that he was looking closely into the matter and had sent multiple reminders to the government to send the complete file.

The BJP on Tuesday slammed Kejriwal for reportedly fighting defamation suits filed against him by using public money.

Subsequently, Jethmalani declared that he would fight the case for free as he was keen on cross-examining Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who has filed the defamation case.