Gopal Rai resigns citing health reasons; Satyendra Jain to replace him as Delhi Transport Minister

Rai had been upset with the BJP pointing fingers at his and Delhi transport Ministry and accusing him of corruption. “Modi, the Centre and the ACB are paralysing governance by levying allegations of corruption against the transport department."

New Delhi June 14: Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai resigned from his post on Tuesday, citing health reasons. Minister for Public Works Department (PWD) and Health Satyendra Jain will replace Rai. This comes on the day that Rai was to go to the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) to discuss the app-based premium bus service, which has been surrounded by allegations of corruption. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had pulled Rai up, about the alleged Scam, instructing him to present himself before the ACB, to answer questions related to the bus controversy.

Rai had been upset with the BJP pointing fingers at his and Delhi transport Ministry and accusing him of corruption. “Modi, the Centre and the ACB are paralysing governance by levying allegations of corruption against the transport department. They have been harassing my officers, calling them for questioning and grilling them. We will not allow this,” Rai had said, as quoted  by the Indian Express. The allegations had been levied by Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung, who said that the scheme was favouring only one company. ALSO READ: Odd Even Phase II: Arvind Kejriwal, Gopal Rai thank Delhities for scheme’s success

The scheme was eventually rolled back, following which Leader of Opposition Vijendra Gupta filed a complaint with the ACB. Hitting out at the Opposition, Rai had said, “How can they allege corruption when there has been no exchange of money in the scheme yet. It is only on paper.” He also alleged that the supposed scam was a conspiracy hatched by Gupta, in connivance with Najeeb Jung. If they can prove even Re 1 worth of corruption in the scheme, I am ready to go to Tihar,” Rai had claimed.

Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai resigns citing health grounds.PWD and Health minister Satyendra Jain to take charge of Transport ministry

— ANI (@ANI_news) June 14, 2016