Arvind Kejriwal Responds to Delhi Police Notice on BJP’s Poaching Allegations

New Delhi, 4th February 2024: Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, has addressed allegations of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attempting to poach Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs, following a notice from the Delhi Police’s Crime Branch. The notice, served to Kejriwal and Delhi minister Atishi, requests information on the allegations, suggesting their knowledge of a potential cognisable offence.

Speaking at the inauguration of a school building in Delhi’s Rohini, Kejriwal responded to the BJP’s overtures, emphasising his refusal to succumb to their advances. He explicitly rejected the invitations, stating, “No, not at all, I won’t join them.” Kejriwal questioned the necessity for forgiveness and highlighted the AAP’s dedication to improving various aspects of governance, such as schools, hospitals, clinics, and roads.

The Crime Branch notice, issued on Saturday to Kejriwal and today to Atishi, is related to the probe initiated into claims made by them on January 27. Kejriwal and Atishi alleged that the BJP sought to lure seven AAP MLAs with offers of ₹25 crore each and a ticket for the upcoming assembly election. The BJP promptly denied the allegations, challenging Kejriwal to provide evidence.

In response to the notice, the Crime Branch has instructed Kejriwal and Atishi to reply by February 5. The notice acknowledges Kejriwal’s tweet as the basis for the enquiry, stating, “The plain reading of the said tweet indicates that you are privy to certain information regarding the commission of a cognisable offence.” The police seek their cooperation in identifying the AAP MLAs approached by the BJP.