Port Blair: Political temperatures soared in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Friday as BJP State president Anil Tiwari rejected as “edited and doctored” a leaked audio clip that has triggered allegations of corruption, even as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) demanded a high-level probe into an alleged medical racket linked to the recording.
Breaking his silence at a press conference, Tiwari claimed the viral audio had been selectively edited by political rivals to malign the BJP. He said the conversation with BJP functionary Angshuman Rao was part of an internal review over organisational responsibilities and denied that it involved any demand for money or abuse of office. The saffron party maintained that references to financial support were made in a casual context and had been deliberately misrepresented. The party also hit back at the Congress, accusing it of exploiting the controversy for political mileage, and rejected allegations of corruption in governance.
Referring to the audio clip, the Municipal Ward Councillor No 6, Aziz-ur-Rehman alleged that it suggested discussions about expanding a “business” connected with hospital-related services. He said he has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take cognisance of the issue and requested that the matter be brought to the attention of the BJP’s central leadership. Rehman alleged that the state party leadership had failed to address public concerns and accused Tiwari of prioritising personal interests over public welfare.
Meanwhile, AAP Andaman and Nicobar leader Dr Arun Mallik alleged that the leaked conversation pointed to an organised nexus involving a medical business linked to patients at GB Pant Hospital and ANIIMS. He claimed the audio suggested assurances of business favours, a proposed organisational appointment, and possible exploitation of patients requiring referral to mainland hospitals. Describing the matter as “serious corruption”, Mallik said AAP would submit a formal complaint to the Chief Secretary and Health Secretary seeking an independent investigation into the alleged involvement of BJP members and certain hospital officials.
