Delhi LG Orders Probe into AAP’s Allegations of BJP Poaching Candidates

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has approved an investigation into Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) allegations that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attempted to poach its candidates ahead of the Delhi Assembly election results, scheduled for February 8.

While the BJP dismissed AAP’s claims as defamatory and politically motivated, the Lt Governor stated that the allegations warranted an inquiry. Following his directive, an Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) team visited Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s Civil Lines residence to question him.

AAP, in response, announced that it would file a formal complaint with the ACB. "Why is the ACB indulging in drama instead of taking action? Everything will come out in the investigation," said AAP leader Sanjay Singh.

AAP Alleges BJP Offered ₹15 Crore to Candidates

AAP chief and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal claimed that 16 of his party’s candidates had received offers from the BJP, promising ministerial positions and ₹15 crore each to switch sides.

"Some agencies are projecting that the BJP will win more than 55 seats. In the last two hours, 16 of our candidates have received calls offering them ₹15 crore and ministerial posts if they leave AAP and join BJP," Kejriwal alleged in a social media post.

He also questioned the credibility of exit polls that predicted a BJP victory. "If they are truly winning over 55 seats, why are they calling our candidates? These fake surveys are part of a conspiracy to break AAP. But not a single candidate will defect," he said.

AAP leader and Delhi minister Atishi also criticized the BJP, questioning why it would need to lure candidates if it was confident of securing a majority.