AAP leaders Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain summoned in Rs 2,000 crore Delhi classroom construction scam

PTC Web Desk: Senior AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain have been summoned for questioning in connection with an alleged Rs 2,000 crore classroom construction scam in Delhi. The case, being investigated by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB), was registered on April 30 and involves major financial irregularities in the construction of school buildings.

According to the summons, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who also held the Education portfolio, has been called for questioning on June 9. Satyendar Jain, who oversaw the Public Works Department (PWD) under the Delhi government, has been asked to appear before ACB officials on June 6.

The ACB alleges that the project—meant to construct over 12,748 classrooms in Delhi’s government schools—witnessed significant cost escalations and contract violations. It claims that each classroom was built at an inflated average cost of Rs 24.86 lakh, nearly five times the standard rate.

Further, the anti-corruption agency has reported that contracts were awarded to 34 construction firms, many of which are allegedly linked to the AAP. The construction used Semi-Permanent Structures (SPS) with a 30-year lifespan but was billed at rates equivalent to Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) structures, which last up to 75 years.

The ACB also pointed out that project costs were increased by Rs 326 crore without issuing fresh tenders, a move considered highly irregular in government procurement procedures.

Responding to the developments, the AAP has accused the authorities of political vendetta, claiming that the case is an attempt to intimidate party leaders and malign their education model, which has been central to AAP’s electoral narrative.