Delhi LG V K Saxena Orders Probe Into AAP's Poaching Allegations Against BJP; ACB Visits Kejriwal's Residence

Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena on Friday (7 February) sanctioned an investigation into the allegations by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) tried to lure its candidates ahead of the Delhi Assembly election results, due on 8 February.

The BJP had argued that AAP's claims were defamatory and aimed at tarnishing its image ahead of the election results.

The Lieutenant Governor said that the matter merited an investigation and directed authorities to examine the allegations, NDTV reported.

A team from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrived at Kejriwal’s residence in Civil Lines today to question him.

The AAP announced its intention to file a formal complaint with the ACB, condemning what it described as "an attempt to break" its members.

"Why is ACB doing drama instead of taking action? Everything will come out during the investigation," said AAP leader Sanjay Singh.

In a social media post, former Delhi chief minister and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal claimed that alleged that 16 of his party's candidates were approached by the BJP with offers of ministerial roles and 15 crore rupees each to switch sides.

"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," Kejriwal wrote in Hindi.

He further expressed doubts about the credibility of exit polls predicting a BJP win.

"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.

Following the BJP's complaint against AAP's allegations, Delhi Lt Governor Saxena sanctioned an investigation into the matter.

Voting for all 70 assembly seats in Delhi wrapped up on Wednesday. With the vote count scheduled for Saturday, the outcomes will reveal whether AAP wins a third straight term or if the BJP ends its 27-year wait to govern the capital.

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