CBI quizzes Sisodia over 'Talk to AK' campaign, AAP fumes over 'raid'

In connection with a preliminary enquiry (PE) related to alleged irregularities in the Delhi government's 'Talk to AK' campaign, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) visited at official residence of Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia here on Friday and sought the campaign related details.

The agency had registered the PE in January this year on the basis of a complaint filed by the Vigilance Department of the Delhi government.

Sources in CBI, meanwhile, said that no search or raid was conducted at the premises of Sisodia. According to rules, no search or raid can be conducted under a PE.

It is alleged in the complaint that a consultant of a well-known public relations company was hired by the Delhi government to promote the 'Talk to AK' (Talk to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal) campaign and a proposal of Rs 1.5 crore was prepared for this purpose. The interactive session, organised by Kejriwal on July 17 last year, provided a platform for people across the country to ask him queries via phone, text message and social media.

The complaint noted that despite objections from the Principal Secretary, the government went ahead with the proposal and the consultant spent the money, thereby, creating a liability for the government.

Official sources said the CBI has registered a preliminary enquiry to probe these allegations and is looking into the alleged role of Sisodia and others.

Soon after the agency's visit, Sisodia's media advisor Arunoday Prakash took to Twitter to condemn the act. "Earlier CM .@ArvindKejriwal's office was raided! Centre using caged parrot to victimise voices of dissent! #RIPDemocracy (sic)," Arunoday tweeted.

In series of tweets, he wrote, "If they think @msisodia will get afraid and stop working for schools after CBI raids, they are mistaken! Highly mistaken! (sic)"

"While CM @ArvindKejriwal is busy inspecting hospitals, centre busy victimising! CBI raids at Dy CMs residence!" Arunoday further wrote.

Meanwhile, defending Sisodia, media advisor to Kejriwal, Nagendar Sharma claimed in a tweet, "When not a penny was spent on Talk to AK programme, how does CBI come into the picture? Caged parrot not briefed properly by masters again."

"Caged parrot CBI feeding false info to its PROs. No consultant was hired for Talk To Ak - challenge anyone to show any payment made!" Sharma twitted.

The Aam Aadmi Party also blasted the Centre for what it called a 'raid' by the CBI at Sisodia's residence, saying it signalled the BJP-led governments 'resolve' to not let the AAP regime in Delhi work.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh said instead of the "daily harassment", the Centre should simply suspend the Delhi government.