Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena has recommended an Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) investigation into allegations made by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal, claiming that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attempted to poach AAP MLAs ahead of the Delhi Assembly election results on February 8.
The LG’s Principal Secretary has formally directed the Chief Secretary of the Delhi government to initiate an ACB inquiry into allegations that bribes were offered to AAP MLAs. The decision follows a complaint filed by the BJP, which has dismissed the allegations as "false and baseless," asserting that they were made to "tarnish" the party’s image and incite unrest in Delhi immediately after polling concluded on February 5.
On Friday, Delhi BJP General Secretary Vishnu Mittal submitted a letter to LG Saxena, urging him to instruct the Anti-Corruption Bureau and other relevant agencies to register an FIR and conduct a thorough investigation into Kejriwal and AAP leader Sanjay Singh’s claims that BJP offered bribes of ₹15 crore each to seven AAP MLAs.
In its letter, the BJP contended that AAP had made allegations without substantiating them with proof. Dated February 7, the letter stated, "The allegations levelled by Shri Arvind Kejriwal and Shri Sanjay Singh are of a serious nature and demand immediate investigation. However, no evidence has been furnished to support claims regarding who received phone calls, the numbers involved, or the identities of the individuals who allegedly contacted AAP MLAs. Given that the Assembly elections concluded just two days ago, such unverified claims appear to be aimed at creating panic and unrest in the city."
The letter further requested the LG to direct an FIR registration and initiate a detailed probe into the alleged bribery attempts. "It is imperative that Shri Arvind Kejriwal and Shri Sanjay Singh be summoned for questioning to provide information on the individuals involved, the mode of communication, and the specifics of the alleged contact," the letter added.
AAP’s Counterclaims and Political Fallout
On Thursday, Arvind Kejriwal claimed that BJP operatives had reached out to 16 AAP candidates, urging them to defect to the BJP.
"Some agencies are projecting that the ‘Gali Galoch’ party (a reference to BJP) will secure over 55 seats. In the past two hours alone, 16 of our candidates have received calls offering them ministerial positions and ₹15 crore each if they leave AAP and join the BJP," Kejriwal alleged.
He further questioned the credibility of the exit polls, arguing, "If BJP is truly winning over 55 seats, why are they attempting to lure our candidates? Clearly, these fabricated surveys serve the sole purpose of pressuring our candidates. But let me assure you, none of our candidates will succumb to such tactics."
Speaking to ANI, AAP MP Sanjay Singh echoed Kejriwal’s claims, stating, "Seven AAP MLAs who contested the Assembly elections were approached with offers of ₹15 crore each. The BJP is attempting to manipulate the election outcome by engineering defections. We have instructed our MLAs to record such calls and capture meetings with hidden cameras. BJP is facing a resounding defeat."
Election Outlook and Projections
Exit polls have presented mixed predictions regarding the election outcome. One survey suggested BJP could secure between 51 and 60 out of Delhi’s 70 Assembly seats, while other polls predicted an AAP victory.
Vote counting is set for February 8. The AAP has dominated Delhi’s last two Assembly elections, and its leadership remains confident of another win despite BJP’s assertions of a strong performance.
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