Transparency International refutes Kejriwal's claims on corruption

New Delhi, Feb.18 (ANI): Indian wing of global corruption watchdog, Transparency International (TI), on Tuesday refuted former Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, claims that corruption had come down in the city during his regime.

Executive director of Transparency International (TI) India, Ashutosh Kumar Mishra, denied the existence of any such report or survey that Kejriwal quoted while addressing business leaders.

"Transparency International, India, has not conducted such a study as it was said. We don't have any publish or unpublished report. From our side, neither such a survey was conducted nor was a report prepared," Mishra said.

Kejriwal, who has positioned himself as an anti-graft crusader, said that TI was set to release a report that said that corruption was down in the water department during his 49 days rule.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Harsh Vardhan hit out at Kejriwal in Delhi assembly, saying he was a habitual liar.

"Arvind Kejriwal is habitual liar. He has been telling lies continuously and misleading people. I had published his 30 lies after completion of 30 days of his government. Despite that his one lie comes out everyday," Vardhan said.

A former police officer and social activist, Kiran Bedi, cautioned Kejriwal to check facts before making them public.

"If you quote somebody or a source publicly, it is very important that source should stand by your claim and backs your statement otherwise you lose your credibility," she said.

Defending Kejriwal, his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said controversies were being manufactured to hamper AAP electoral prospects.

"People are trying to manufacture controversy. Arvind Kejriwal said that he spoke to them. Arvind Kejriwal never claimed that they have given a report. It is true that he spoke to them," said AAP leader Gopal Rai.

Last week, activist-turned-politician Arvind Kejriwal resigned as chief minister of Delhi, frustrated by obstacles put in the way of an anti-corruption bill, and immediately proposed fresh elections for the capital. (ANI)