Kejriwal: AAP leaders offered ₹15 cr to join BJP; minister stands firm

Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP of trying to poach AAP candidates just 48 hours before Delhi election results. He claimed 16 AAP candidates received offers of ₹15 crore and ministerial positions to switch sides. The BJP denied the allegations and threatened legal action.

Kejriwal took to X, questioning why BJP needed to approach AAP leaders if it was confident of winning over 55 seats. Exit polls predicted a BJP sweep with 45-61 seats and a 48-49% vote share. Kejriwal alleged that fake surveys aimed to break AAP’s unity.

AAP candidate Mukesh Ahlawat backed Kejriwal’s claims. He said BJP leaders promised him ₹15 crore and a ministerial role. However, he vowed never to leave AAP. AAP MP Sanjay Singh also alleged that BJP reached out to seven AAP MLAs, proving its desperation.

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva dismissed the accusations. He called them a sign of AAP’s frustration over its expected defeat. He warned Sanjay Singh to retract his statement or face legal action. He also reminded AAP that Kejriwal already faced a defamation case for similar claims.

AAP advised its candidates to record such calls and use spy cameras in meetings. Atishi, AAP’s candidate from Kalkaji, echoed Kejriwal’s stance. She argued that BJP’s poaching attempts contradicted its predicted victory.

Polling for Delhi’s 70 seats took place on Wednesday. The results, due on Saturday, will decide if AAP secures a third term or if BJP ends its 27-year wait for power. Exit polls favor BJP, with Axis My India predicting 45-55 seats and Today’s Chanakya projecting 45-57 seats. CNX sees BJP winning 49-61 seats, while Congress may get 0-1 seats.

The final results will be announced on February 8.