Delhi LG orders probe into Kejriwal's poaching claim
What's the story
Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has ordered a probe into the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) allegations that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attempted to poach its candidates. The probe was announced on Friday, a day before the Delhi Assembly election results are set to be declared. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal had alleged that 16 of his party's candidates were offered ₹15 crore each and ministerial positions to join the BJP.
Doubts raised
AAP leaders question exit poll predictions
Kejriwal had also questioned the authenticity of exit polls predicting a BJP victory, asking, "If they are indeed winning more than 55 seats, why are they calling up our candidates?" He hinted these surveys were part of a conspiracy to destabilize AAP. Delhi Chief Minister and AAP candidate Atishi echoed these concerns, asking why the BJP would attempt to poach candidates if confident of winning.
Twitter Post
ACB team arrives at Kejriwal's residence
#WATCH | A team of Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrives at the residence of AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal after Delhi LG’s principal secretary writes to the chief secretary to conduct an ACB Inquiry on allegations of bribes offered to MLAs of the Aam Aadmi Party pic.twitter.com/yt2ZMW5ZH3
— ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2025
Counterclaim
BJP dismisses allegations, threatens legal action
Responding to the allegations, BJP Delhi chief Virendra Sachdeva called them baseless and threatened legal action if they weren't retracted. The BJP then filed a formal complaint with Lieutenant Governor Saxena, who directed the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to investigate. The ACB will reportedly probe three phone numbers allegedly used in the calls and has visited residences of key AAP figures, including Kejriwal, for further inquiry.
Election forecast
Exit polls predict BJP victory after 27 years
The controversy comes amid exit polls indicating a possible win for the BJP after 27 years, predicting they could win 39 seats in the 70-member Assembly. However, AAP leaders have rejected the predictions, referring to the past when exit polls were proven wrong. Delhi's election results will be declared on Saturday.