Mobile Purchase Controversy Triggers Fresh BJP-AAP Clash in Delhi
New Delhi: A fresh political storm has erupted in the capital after Delhi BJP leader and minister Ashish Sood accused former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, ex-Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, and other AAP leaders of misusing public funds by purchasing high-end smartphones, violating official spending limits during their time in power.
Mr Sood alleged that the AAP leadership, which rose to power on the image of simplicity and austerity, repeatedly bypassed government guidelines on permissible mobile phone expenses. The accusations were made following a new General Administration Department (GAD) memo, issued on July 9, which revised mobile phone reimbursement ceilings for ministers in the Delhi government.
According to a 2013 circular by the GAD, the chief minister was allowed to purchase mobile phones worth up to ₹50,000, and other ministers up to ₹45,000. However, Sood alleged that Mr Kejriwal purchased four premium iPhones, including one priced at ₹81,000 and another at ₹1.63 lakh, flouting the rules. He further stated that the former CM changed his phone four times during his tenure, with each handset costing well above the allowed limit.
Mr Sood didn’t stop at Kejriwal. He said that Manish Sisodia, who held crucial portfolios such as education and finance, purchased five expensive phones between 2017 and 2022, including three iPhones, all of which allegedly exceeded the ₹45,000 limit. He also targeted Atishi, currently a Delhi minister, for purchasing a high-end iPhone in 2023 that crossed the expenditure cap.
The BJP minister mocked Kejriwal’s public persona, saying:
“He used to say he is a common man, wearing short shirts. But during Covid, he was busy buying iPhones. It seems Kejriwal has a great hobby for luxury.”
The new reimbursement policy now allows the chief minister to purchase a phone worth up to ₹1.5 lakh and other ministers up to ₹1.25 lakh, with actual monthly mobile bills fully reimbursed. This is the first revision in 12 years, and it comes amid renewed debates on public spending priorities.
The Aam Aadmi Party has rejected the allegations, calling them a distraction tactic. An AAP spokesperson said:
“The BJP is trying to divert attention from real issues like water shortage, rising electricity bills, and joblessness in Delhi. Revising mobile phone limits after 12 years is not luxury, it’s necessity.”
Party insiders also said that ministers often use their personal devices for official communication, emergency management, and 24×7 public service, requiring reliable, secure, and high-performance smartphones.
Political observers note that the controversy could further polarize Delhi’s political landscape, especially as both parties gear up for upcoming municipal and state elections. With corruption, governance, and transparency remaining central to the narrative, such issues are likely to become core talking points in public debates.
Meanwhile, the Delhi government has not yet issued an official response to the exact charges raised by Mr Sood, but AAP sources indicated that they may hold a press briefing soon to counter the BJP’s claims.
Tags:
#Kejriwal #ManishSisodia #AshishSood #iPhoneScandal #MobilePhoneControversy #DelhiPolitics #AAPvsBJP #LuxurySpending #MinisterExpenditure #GADMemo #AAPLeaders #PublicFunds #PoliticalAccountability #GovernmentReimbursement #BJPNews #AAPNews #Atishi #CommonManPolitics #ArvindKejriwal #DelhiScam #TransparencyInGovernance
