Delhi LG Approves Probe into AAP’s Allegations of BJP’s Candidate Poaching

New Delhi, 7th February 2025: Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena has approved an inquiry into the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) allegations that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attempted to lure its candidates ahead of the upcoming Assembly election results on February 8. The BJP dismissed the accusations as defamatory, claiming they were an attempt to damage its reputation before the results were announced.

Saxena stated that the allegations warranted an investigation and instructed authorities to look into the matter.

AAP chief and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in a social media post, alleged that 16 AAP candidates had received offers from the BJP. He claimed they were promised ministerial posts and ₹15 crore each in exchange for defecting.

“Some agencies are projecting that the abusive party (BJP) will secure over 55 seats. In the past two hours, 16 of our candidates have received calls offering them ₹15 crore and ministerial positions if they abandon AAP and switch sides,” Kejriwal wrote in Hindi.

He also raised doubts about the credibility of exit polls that predicted a BJP victory.

“If they are truly set to win over 55 seats, why are they calling our candidates? These fabricated surveys are part of a scheme to pressure and break AAP candidates. However, not a single one will leave,” he added.

Delhi Chief Minister and AAP candidate from Kalkaji, Atishi, also weighed in on the controversy, questioning the BJP’s alleged attempts to poach candidates.

“If the abusive party (BJP) is winning over 50 seats, why are they reaching out to our candidates?” she posted on X.

She further alleged that the exit polls favouring the BJP were being manipulated to “demoralize AAP candidates and create an atmosphere where defections could be encouraged.”

Following a BJP complaint against AAP’s claims, Lt Governor Saxena authorized a formal probe into the issue.

“The Lieutenant Governor has directed that the matter be thoroughly investigated by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to determine the truth,” read an official statement from his office.

Voting for all 70 Assembly seats in Delhi concluded on Wednesday, with counting scheduled for Saturday. The results will decide whether AAP secures a third consecutive term or if the BJP finally ends its 27-year-long wait to govern the national capital.