'16 AAP candidates offered ₹15cr each to join BJP': Kejriwal
What's the story
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of trying to poach AAP candidates before the Delhi election results. Kejriwal alleged that 16 AAP candidates were offered ₹15 crore each to join the BJP. "In the last two hours, 16 of our candidates have received calls that if they leave AAP and join their party, they will make them ministers and will give ₹15 crores to each of them," he said.
Minister's backing
Delhi minister supports Kejriwal's claims
Delhi Minister Mukesh Ahlawat backed Kejriwal's allegations, saying he received a similar offer but refused it because of his loyalty to AAP. "I got a call from this number. I was told that their government was being formed, and they would make me a minister and give me ₹15 crore if I left AAP and joined them," Ahlawat said in an online post.
BJP's response
BJP denies allegations, threatens legal action
The BJP has refuted these allegations, with Delhi chief Virendra Sachdeva calling them a sign of the AAP's "frustration" over a possible electoral defeat. Sachdeva demanded an apology from AAP leader Sanjay Singh, who had also made similar claims. "Sanjay Singh should either retract his allegations and tender an apology or face legal action," Sachdeva said. He reminded Singh that Kejriwal is already facing a defamation case.
ECI meeting
AAP leaders meet Election Commission over electoral concerns
The accusations come after AAP leaders met the Election Commission of India (ECI) over concerns of electoral malpractices. Kejriwal had alleged hooliganism and voter suppression by the BJP and Delhi Police. The ECI had assured strict action against any misconduct and stressed on maintaining an impartial voting process. Almost all exit polls have predicted a comeback for the BJP.