Another faceoff between the Centre and the Delhi government looks imminent with Delhi's Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) beginning a probe into alleged irregularities in awarding contract for the Delhi government's advertisements. The probe was initiated following a complaint that Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's relatives were given contracts illegally.

The Delhi government denied the allegation and said action would be taken against elements trying to defame it. Joint Commissioner of Police MK Meena, who was appointed the ACB chief against the wishes of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, has had several confrontations with the Delhi government in recent times.

On Thursday, Meena said a probe is on and a notice has been issued to the Directorate of Information & Publicity (DIP), Delhi, in this regard. "We have received a complaint about irregularities in award of contract for government advertisements. We cannot divulge details at this stage but a probe has been ordered. The ACB has issued a notice to the concerned department and after getting their response, action will be taken accordingly," Meena said. The government, however, said it did not receive any notice till Thursday afternoon. Notably, the Directorate of Information of Publicity (DIP) is entrusted with the job of informing and publicising the programmes, policies and activities of the Delhi government.

The allegations assume significance as the Delhi government has allocated Rs 526 crore for advertisements. However, sources said investigation by the ACB could also be an attempt to attack the Delhi government which has constituted a commission of inquiry to probe the CNG Fitness Scam. The AAP government's decision to spend Rs 526 crore for information and publicity in the current financial year drew flak from the Opposition parties which had said spending public money on 'self publicity' amounted to corruption.

The government, however, strongly defended the allocation of such a huge amount arguing that a separate head has been created for publicity and advertisement for the first time and that the figure may be less than the amount spent in previous years by various departments. "It is made clear that all advertisements in print, electronic and outdoor media are strictly released only through DAVP empanelled agencies, and strictly on DAVP rates. Further, in case DAVP rates of particular media are not available, then advertisements are released only on rates duly approved by the Finance Department," a Delhi government statement said. "Empanelment of any agency can only be done by the DAVP and the guidelines for which are clearly laid," it said while ruling out any alleged irregularity.

Delhi BJP president Satish Upadhyay criticised the government saying such allegations exposed the claims of 'honest politics' by Kejriwal. He alleged that there was no transparency in functioning of the government.