The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has issued a formal notice to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, seeking substantial proof to support his serious allegations that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attempted to bribe AAP legislators as part of what he termed "Operation Lotus." Kejriwal had claimed that 16 AAP MLAs were contacted and offered ₹15 crore each to switch their allegiance to the BJP. In response to these allegations, the ACB has demanded specific details, including the names of the 16 legislators who were allegedly approached, the contact numbers of the individuals who extended these bribe offers, and any concrete evidence that can validate these claims.
The ACB’s notice explicitly asks for documentary proof, recordings, or any other material that can corroborate the bribery charges made by Kejriwal and other AAP leaders. The agency has also questioned why legal action should not be taken against those spreading such allegations in the media and on social platforms, as such claims could create fear and unrest among the public. The development comes at a crucial time, just a day before the counting of votes for the Delhi Assembly elections, making it a highly charged political episode.
Tensions escalated outside Arvind Kejriwal's residence when a team from the ACB arrived to question him regarding these allegations but was denied entry. This led to a standoff, with Kejriwal’s legal team arguing that the ACB officials had no proper authorisation to question him at that moment. An advocate representing the AAP chief stated that the authorities did not carry the necessary legal documents and termed the move a political stunt by the BJP to create last-minute drama before the election results.
AAP leader Sanjay Singh, who has been vocal about the allegations, said that the party is fully prepared to cooperate with the ACB’s inquiry. He revealed that AAP had already provided some details, including phone numbers of individuals who allegedly made the bribery offers to AAP MLAs. Singh added that he was personally heading to the ACB office with his legal counsel to file a formal complaint. When asked by reporters about the BJP's claim that AAP had no evidence to support its accusations, Singh countered by stating that he had already mentioned a phone number linked to the alleged bribery attempt and questioned what further proof was required.
Sanjay Singh has now officially lodged a complaint with the ACB, submitting details about the individuals who purportedly contacted AAP candidates with offers of money and ministerial positions. His complaint specifically mentions that AAP leader Mukesh Ahlawat was promised ₹15 crore along with a cabinet post if he agreed to switch sides. The AAP’s legal cell head, Sanjeev Nasiar, also weighed in, alleging that the ACB officials who arrived at Kejriwal’s residence did not have a valid legal notice at the time of their visit. He clarified that AAP is not avoiding the probe and is fully ready for Kejriwal’s statement to be recorded, but only if due legal procedures are followed.
Amidst the growing controversy, sources have revealed that the ACB has formed three separate teams to probe the matter thoroughly. While Sanjay Singh’s statement is already being recorded at the agency’s office, officials are expected to visit Arvind Kejriwal and AAP Minister Mukesh Kumar Ahlawat’s residences to take their statements as well.
The entire episode has added further political tension to the already heated election atmosphere in Delhi. Exit polls released earlier suggested that the BJP could be making a strong comeback in the capital after 27 years, with projections indicating that the party might secure around 39 seats, comfortably crossing the halfway mark of 36. On the other hand, AAP, which was aiming for a third consecutive term in power, is predicted to be reduced to 30 seats. However, AAP leaders have categorically rejected the exit polls, citing past instances where such predictions were inaccurate. They pointed out how exit polls in 2013, 2015, and 2020 had underestimated their party’s performance.
Delhi went to the polls on Wednesday in a fierce three-way battle between the ruling AAP, the BJP, and the Congress. The voter turnout stood at 60.55%, reflecting significant public interest in the elections. The final results are set to be declared on Saturday, determining whether Kejriwal’s government will continue for another term or if the BJP will make a historic return to power in the capital.
Amid this high-stakes electoral battle, the controversy surrounding Operation Lotus and the ACB’s investigation could have significant political ramifications. AAP has repeatedly accused the BJP of attempting to poach its MLAs, alleging that the saffron party is trying to destabilize its government through money power and political maneuvering. The BJP, in turn, has dismissed these allegations as baseless and has hinted at initiating legal action against AAP leaders for defamation.
As the situation unfolds, both parties are holding their ground firmly, with the BJP demanding evidence for AAP’s bribery claims and AAP insisting that an independent investigation be conducted. With the election results looming, this political showdown is expected to intensify in the coming days, shaping the future of governance in Delhi.
