ACB Team Denied Entry at Kejriwal's Residence Amid Poaching Allegations

Synopsis

On the eve of the Delhi Assembly election results, ACB officials were prevented from entering Arvind Kejriwal's residence to investigate BJP's alleged poaching of AAP candidates. Amidst rising tensions, both parties exchanged accusations of dishonesty as the election results draw near.

Key Takeaways

ACB was denied entry to Kejriwal’s home.
Investigation initiated by LG over allegations of bribery.
BJP denies allegations, demanding evidence from AAP.
Kejriwal claims manipulation of exit polls.
Controversy intensifies as election results approach.

New Delhi, Feb 7 (NationPress) In a dramatic turn of events on the eve of the Delhi Assembly election results, a team from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) was denied entry at the entrance of Arvind Kejriwal’s residence located on Ferozeshah Road in central Delhi. The ACB team arrived to document his statement regarding his claims of the BJP attempting to lure AAP candidates away.

Kejriwal’s legal representatives contested the ACB’s visit, asserting that they had not received any prior notice. However, the anti-corruption officials contended that no prior notification or permission was required for their visit, as Kejriwal himself is a complainant in this case.

This initiative from the ACB was prompted by directions from Lieutenant Governor (LG) V.K. Saxena, who ordered an investigation into allegations that 16 candidates were being offered bribes to defect from AAP to BJP.

The order from the Delhi LG stated: "It has been widely reported that the AAP has alleged that the BJP is offering bribes to its MLAs to quit the party. A representation was received from Delhi BJP stating that these allegations are false and baseless. The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor has desired that this matter merits a thorough investigation through the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to establish the truth."

Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva remarked, "Sanjay Singh, Arvind Kejriwal, if you lie, be prepared for the repercussions. I reiterated this in the morning, and I say it again. You can’t make baseless claims without facing consequences.”

He continued, “The allegations you’ve made are cheap and unfounded. If you possess any evidence, present it; otherwise, prepare for the consequences. The type of low-grade politics you engage in is not welcomed by the people of Delhi. Before every election — whether municipal or Lok Sabha — your propaganda commences, but the citizens of Delhi do not appreciate it...”

NDMC Vice Chairman and BJP leader Kuljeet Singh Chahal criticized the poaching allegations, stating on social media, "Arvind Kejriwal and AAP leaders are exposing themselves by perpetuating lies after lies..."

Previously, on Thursday, Kejriwal expressed his discontent with the exit polls via a post on X, detailing his belief that these surveys are being manipulated.

He stated: "Certain agencies claim the 'Gali Galoj Party' is winning over 55 seats. In the last two hours, 16 of our candidates received calls saying, 'Leave your party and join theirs, we’ll make you ministers and provide each of you with Rs 15-15 crores.' If their party is genuinely winning more than 55 seats, why do they need to contact our candidates?"

AAP MP Sanjay Singh accused the BJP of executing an "Operation Lotus" in Delhi, alleging that the party is bribing AAP leaders to destabilize the party and facilitate their path to governing the national capital.

The controversy surrounding the alleged poaching of AAP candidates arises just a day before the results of the Assembly election are announced, which will determine a new 70-member House. Most exit polls have indicated a lead for the BJP, but AAP remains resolute in its belief that it will form the government.