AAP Accuses Delhi Govt of Halting EWS Certificates; BJP Denies, Calls It Misinformation
New Delhi, April 15, 2025: A political row erupted in the national capital on Tuesday after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accused the BJP-led Delhi government of suspending the issuance of new Economically Weaker Section (EWS) certificates, a move it claimed would deprive thousands of poor families of access to education, healthcare, and employment benefits.
Addressing a press conference, AAP Delhi unit chief Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that the Revenue Department had halted the issuance of EWS certificates “till further orders,” citing concerns over misuse. “The decision will immediately impact thousands of students seeking admission in institutions like Delhi University and IP University, which mandate an EWS certificate for the 10% quota,” Bharadwaj said.
He also raised concerns about poor patients being denied reserved beds in hospitals due to the freeze, calling it a “deliberate attempt to help private institutions” by restricting EWS access. “Instead of punishing officials responsible for wrong certificates, the BJP government is punishing the public,” he added, questioning why no administrative officers like SDMs, ADMs, or DMs had been held accountable.
BJP Rejects Allegations, Accuses AAP of Covering Up Scam
In a swift rebuttal, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva dismissed the allegations as baseless, asserting that the issuance of EWS certificates has not been stopped. “Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has only asked for the framing of proper guidelines to prevent further misuse. The benefits for the poor will continue,” he said.
Sachdeva accused AAP of creating a smokescreen to avoid accountability. “Fake EWS and caste certificates were issued during AAP’s tenure between 2015 and 2024. This led to large-scale misuse of government benefits, especially in school admissions and hospital services,” he claimed.
He further stated that AAP was attempting to divert attention from a looming investigation. “Saurabh Bharadwaj knows an inquiry will expose a massive scam under AAP’s rule. That’s why he’s creating a controversy,” Sachdeva said.
Political Blame Game Intensifies
With both sides trading barbs, the issue has intensified the already charged political atmosphere in Delhi. While AAP accuses the BJP government of being “anti-poor,” the BJP alleges that AAP is shielding its past wrongdoings and trying to politicize administrative corrections.
Meanwhile, families dependent on EWS certifications await clarity, with education and healthcare access hanging in the balance. The state government is yet to release an official notification confirming or denying the suspension, keeping the public uncertain over the fate of the EWS quota benefits.