CHANDIGARH, September 24: A political controversy has intensified inside the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) raised allegations involving a viral audio clip and two separate alleged money transactions linked to civic decisions and the mayoral election. AAP has sought an FIR and an independent probe, while BJP councillors and those named in the allegations have denied wrongdoing and demanded evidence.
AAP Cites Two Alleged Money Deals
The first allegation relates to an incident in Sector 40, where an IT professional allegedly confronted the husband of a sitting BJP councillor and demanded the return of ₹25 lakh that he claimed had been paid to get a Municipal Corporation agenda approved.
According to AAP’s complaint, the councillor’s husband allegedly acknowledged receiving money and referred to ₹5 lakh as his personal share. These claims remain allegations and have not been established by an investigation or court.
Viral Audio Mentions Alleged ₹80 Lakh Transaction
The second controversy centres on a viral audio recording that AAP says appears to feature the husband of another BJP councillor discussing an alleged ₹80 lakh transaction connected to the mayoral election.
AAP has asked police to conduct a forensic examination of the original recording, including voice-sample verification, to determine whether the audio is authentic and identify the people involved.
AAP Seeks FIR and SIT Probe
AAP leaders have submitted a complaint to Chandigarh Director General of Police Sagar Preet Hooda, seeking registration of an FIR and an investigation by a Special Investigation Team or another independent agency.
The party has also requested preservation of potential evidence including CCTV footage, call-detail records, cell-tower data and the original audio recording.
Row Erupts in Municipal Corporation House
The allegations triggered heated exchanges during the Municipal Corporation’s General House meeting.
AAP councillor Yogesh Dhingra raised the issue and alleged that several BJP councillors had received money in connection with the mayoral election.
BJP councillors strongly objected and demanded that Dhingra produce evidence for his claims. Mayor Saurabh Joshi also asked him to substantiate the allegations or apologise.
AAP Councillor Suspended From House
Dhingra was eventually suspended from the House proceedings following a censure motion.
The mayor said a copy of AAP’s police complaint did not itself amount to proof of the allegations. BJP councillors accused Dhingra of making unsubstantiated claims against elected representatives.
Dhingra later said he had wanted to play the viral audio inside the House but was suspended before he could do so.
AAP Questions Suspension
In a fresh development on September 24, AAP’s Chandigarh in-charge Jarnail Singh criticised Dhingra’s suspension and argued that councillors raising allegations should be allowed to seek an investigation.
He questioned the basis for the disciplinary action and said the party would continue demanding a probe into the alleged transactions.
BJP Side Rejects Allegations
One of the men named in connection with the ₹25 lakh allegation told The Indian Express that he was not present during the alleged incident and described the accusation as politically motivated.
BJP councillors have also said AAP should produce verifiable evidence rather than make claims inside the House.
The allegations, including the authenticity of the viral audio and the claimed monetary transactions, have not yet been independently established.
Police Action Awaited
AAP is now seeking a formal police investigation into both alleged transactions.
The controversy has added to political tension inside the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, with the dispute currently centred on whether the claims are supported by evidence and whether an independent inquiry should be ordered.
Any criminal liability will depend on the findings of police or another competent investigating agency.
source – The Indian Express / Times of India / The Tribune
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