BJP urged Lt Governor for probe into Kejriwal's legal expenses

New Delhi: 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 MLAs and submitted a memorandum demanding an inquiry.

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

"Instead, they just sent a one page note to the LG for post-facto approval," Gupta 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".

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

Talking to 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.