Delhi-LG-Orders-Probe

AAP Accuses BJP of Offering Rs 15 Crore to MLAs; ACB Investigation Begins

 

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) visited the residence of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on February 07, 2025. The visit follows Kejriwal's recent allegations that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attempted to bribe AAP MLAs with offers of Rs 15-16 crore each to defect. The probe was initiated on the directive of Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, who responded to the BJP’s call for an inquiry and an FIR, terming the allegations as "very serious in nature."

The investigation comes on the eve of the Delhi vote counting, adding political intensity to an already tense atmosphere.

 

AAP Accuses BJP of Poaching MLAs

 

Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP of attempting to bribe 16 AAP legislators, asserting that the BJP was trying to offer both money and ministerial berths to the 16 AAP legislators. He further alleged that the BJP had promised Rs 15 crore per MLA to turn to their side, claiming that the centre ruling party was trying to destabilise his government. The claims immediately led to immediate political backlash, with BJP leaders demanding a formal inquiry be initiated into the matter.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh strongly criticized the ACB's actions, questioning the agency's motives. “More than 16 people have been threatened. We have disclosed one phone number. We are going to file a complaint at the ACB office. Why is the ACB creating drama instead of taking action?” Singh said.

 

Delhi LG Orders Probe Based on BJP Complaint

 

The ACB investigation comes after the Delhi LG's office gave a directive to the ACB. After BJP filed a complaint against him, Lieutenant Governor Saxena asked his principal secretary to issue an inquiry into Kejriwal’s allegation. As a result, the chief secretary was put in charge of the investigation.

The BJP emphasised that Kejriwal’s accusation could not be ignored and, in this case, demanded a thorough investigation. The claims were described by party leaders as politically motivated, but they called for the matter to be investigated with transparency to guarantee democratic integrity.

 

AAP Calls for Accountability from ACB

 

AAP leaders were not satisfied with the ACB’s treatment of the case. According to them, the visit to Kejriwal’s residence was unnecessary and only meant to make a spectacle rather than taking any real action. However, AAP party leader Sanjay Singh asserted that his party would cooperate and give full details for the investigation for their allegations.

As the investigation continues, the two political parties get involved in a heated clash. The result could go some way towards shaping the political model in Delhi, especially with the elections going on in Delhi.