ACB mulls action against Kejriwal, AAP leaders over poaching allegations
What's the story
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Delhi is mulling legal action against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, Mukesh Ahlawat, and Sanjay Singh.
The development came after the leaders failed to reply to notices over allegations that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) tried to poach AAP MLAs ahead of the Delhi assembly election.
Kejriwal had alleged that 16 AAP MLAs were allegedly offered ₹15 crore each to join the BJP.
Notice details
ACB issues notice to AAP leaders over bribery allegations
On February 7, the ACB had sent a notice to Ahlawat over the poaching allegations.
Kejriwal was also served a notice asking him to appear for questioning in connection with the alleged bribery attempts.
The notice sought details of the 16 AAP MLAs allegedly offered bribes and details of tweets made by the MLAs.
Allegations made
Kejriwal accuses BJP of offering ₹15 crore to AAP MLAs
In the days leading up to the election, Kejriwal alleged that the BJP offered ₹15 crore to every AAP MLA to jump ship.
He said, "Some agencies are showing that the 'Gali Galoch party' (Referring to the BJP) is getting more than 55 seats. In the last two hours, 16 of our candidates have received calls that if they leave AAP and join their party, they will make them ministers and will give ₹15 crore to each of them."
Denial and evidence
BJP denies charges, ACB seeks evidence of bribery claims
The BJP has categorically denied these charges.
The ACB said it considers this matter serious and is seeking any supporting evidence related to the bribery claims.
If no response is received from the AAP leaders, the ACB may seek assistance from the Delhi Police for further legal action, according to the sources quoted by ANI.