(Image source from: Ndtv.com)

Today, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena approved an inquiry into the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) claims that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attempted to lure its candidates away in advance of the assembly election results that are set for February 8. The BJP contended that AAP's accusations were slanderous and intended to damage its reputation just before the election outcomes were announced. The Lt Governor acknowledged the need for an investigation and instructed relevant authorities to look into the matter.

In a post on social media, former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal asserted that 16 candidates from AAP had been approached by the BJP. He alleged that these candidates were offered ministerial roles and sums of Rs 15 crore each if they were to switch allegiances. Mr. Kejriwal expressed in Hindi, "Certain agencies are reporting that the abusive party (BJP) is expected to secure over 55 seats. In the past two hours, 16 of our candidates have claimed they received calls promising ministerial positions and Rs 15 crore if they defect from AAP." He raised doubts regarding the credibility of exit polls suggesting a BJP victory, questioning, "If they are indeed projected to win more than 55 seats, why are they reaching out to our candidates? These misleading polls are part of a strategy to disrupt AAP candidates. However, not a single one will defect," he stated.

Atishi, Delhi's Chief Minister and AAP candidate from Kalkaji, also shared her thoughts on the situation. She challenged the BJP’s reported efforts to entice candidates if they truly believed they would win. She asked on X, "If the abusive party (BJP) is indeed projected to secure over 50 seats, then why are they attempting to persuade our candidates to switch allegiances?” Atishi further claimed that the exit polls forecasting a BJP win in Delhi are being manipulated to undermine the morale of AAP candidates and foster an environment conducive to defections. Following the BJP's complaint regarding AAP's allegations, the Delhi Lt Governor, VK Saxena, approved an investigation into the issue.