Jain Hits Back After Bail in DJB Case, Questions BJP’s Tender Allegations

Speaking to ANI, Jain said the allegations overlooked the fact that he was in jail in connection with a money laundering case when the disputed contracts were finalised.

Jain said that after he was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and sent to jail, four projects that had already been tendered and allotted were processed in his absence. He said that his role in the tenders was limited to granting “in-principle” approval.

“They (BJP) really ought to look into the details of the case. When I was previously arrested by the ED and sent to jail, four projects that had been tendered and allotted were processed in my absence. Regarding the tenders, what took place on my watch was an 'in-principle' approval. Yet, the ACB alleged that the government suffered a loss of hundreds of crores,” Jain said.

Jain said he went to jail on May 30, while the projects were awarded months later, specifically by March 2023. According to him, the four projects were awarded at a cost Rs 400 crore higher than the original Rs 1,940 crore figure.

“They argue that the rate was correct--that Rs 1,940 crore was the right amount--even though the estimate during my tenure was Rs 1,540 crore. They claim the initial estimate was wrong,” he said.

Jain questioned how a minister could face prosecution merely because a tender was issued with an incorrect estimate, pointing out that the actual value is determined only after bids are received.

“If ministers were to face prosecution simply because a tender was issued with an incorrect estimate. The actual value is revealed only after the bids come in, and I was in jail when the bids were received and the contracts awarded,” Jain added.

He also stressed that his position at the time limited his connection to the department concerned.

“Yes, I was a minister, but I was a minister without portfolio. I held no specific portfolio. How do you explain to them that a minister without a portfolio has no connection to that specific department? The BJP can say anything,” he said.

Jain was arrested by Delhi’s Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) over alleged irregularities and tender manipulation in the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) sewage treatment plant project on August 18. The Rouse Avenue Court granted him bail on Thursday.

Turning to the 2027 Punjab Assembly polls, Jain also rejected the BJP’s allegation that AAP leaders visiting Punjab were “usurping the rights of the local people”.

Jain said there was no basis for such a charge, drawing a comparison with the BJP’s practice of appointing state in-charges and co-in-charges.

“Being appointed by the party as an in-charge or co-in-charge for a state hardly seems like grounds for an allegation. Doesn't the BJP appoint its own in-charges? Doesn't the BJP appoint co-in-charges for the states? Whichever party it is, everyone campaigns for their own party. There is no basis for an allegation here,” he said.

“If one goes there to campaign for one's party or to help the party grow, does that amount to usurping rights? In that case, why do BJP leaders go? BJP leaders go there too. They travel from here, from Delhi. Should they not go either? Are they going there to usurp people's rights?” he added.

Jain’s remarks came a day after his bail in the DJB STP tender case, with the AAP leader challenging the allegations by pointing to the timeline of the tender process, his absence from office while in jail, and his position as a minister without portfolio.