Tensions escalated to another level in Delhi on Friday as the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) served a legal notice to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal over allegations that BJP attempted to bribe 16 AAP candidates ahead of the Delhi Assembly election results, due today.
According to PTI, the notice, delivered to Kejriwal’s residence at 5, Ferozeshah Road, asks him to provide evidence supporting his claims. It specifically seeks details such as the names of the candidates approached, the phone numbers of those who made the alleged offers, and any proof of bribery attempts. The ACB also warned of possible legal action if the claims were found to be false.
AAP leaders condemned the move, calling it a politically motivated attempt to intimidate the party before the election results. Sanjeev Nasiar, AAP’s legal cell head, alleged that the ACB officers initially had no notice and were waiting outside Kejriwal’s home without clear justification. According to media reports, AAP MP Sanjay Singh later filed a formal complaint with the ACB, stating that multiple AAP candidates had been approached with offers of crores of rupees and ministerial positions.
The BJP dismissed AAP’s claims as an attempt to deflect attention from its possible electoral defeat. Delhi BJP leader Vishnu Mittal urged the Lieutenant Governor to take action against AAP for spreading “misinformation.”
The controversy comes amid exit polls predicting a decisive victory for the BJP in Delhi, potentially ending AAP’s 11-year rule. Kejriwal has vowed to fight back, asserting that his party remains united despite alleged poaching efforts. Earlier this week, AAP candidate and former health minister of Delhi, Saurabh Bharadwaj accused Delhi Police officials of influencing the elections in favour of the BJP by allowing certain voters easy access while obstructing others. He alleged that polling booths in AAP strongholds had their lights switched off to discourage voters and claimed that police set up barricades to disrupt voting. Sharing videos on social media, he demanded action from the Election Commission and warned of approaching the Supreme Court if ignored.