Delhi LG orders probe into AAP's allegations of BJP poaching candidates

Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena has approved an investigation into AAP’s allegations that the BJP attempted to lure its candidates ahead of the Delhi Assembly election results on February 8.

The BJP dismissed AAP’s claims as defamatory and an attempt to tarnish its image before the results.

Lt Governor Saxena emphasized the need for an inquiry and instructed authorities to examine the allegations.

In a social media post, AAP chief and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal asserted that 16 AAP candidates had received offers from the BJP. He alleged that they were promised ministerial positions and Rs 15 crore each if they defected.

"Some agencies are showing that the abusive party (BJP) is getting more than 55 seats. In the last two hours, 16 of our candidates have received calls that if they leave AAP and join their party, they will be made ministers and given Rs 15 crore each," Mr. Kejriwal wrote in Hindi.

He also cast doubt on the exit polls predicting a BJP victory.

"If they are indeed winning more than 55 seats, why are they calling up our candidates? These fake surveys are a conspiracy to create an atmosphere to break AAP candidates. But not a single one of them will switch sides," he added.

Delhi Chief Minister and AAP candidate from Kalkaji, Atishi, also spoke out against the alleged attempts to poach candidates, questioning the BJP’s confidence.

"If the abusive party (BJP) is getting more than 50 seats, then why are they trying to break our candidates by contacting them?" she posted on X.

Atishi further claimed that exit polls predicting a BJP win were manipulated to "demoralise AAP candidates and create an atmosphere where defections could be encouraged."

Following a complaint by the BJP against AAP’s allegations, Lt Governor Saxena ordered an investigation.

"The Lieutenant Governor has desired that this matter merits a thorough investigation through the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to establish the truth in the matter," a statement from VK Saxena’s office read.

Polling for all 70 Assembly seats in Delhi concluded on Wednesday. As vote counting approaches on Saturday, the results will determine whether AAP secures a third consecutive term or if BJP ends its 27-year wait to govern the capital.