Delhi Election: Arvind Kejriwal summoned for anti-corruption probe by ACB over ₹15-crore ‘offer to bribe AAP MLAs’

The Anti Corruption Bureau has summoned Arvind Kejriwal for an ongoing investigation following the AAP chief's claims that the BJP had tried to poach party MLAs. Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena had recommended the probe. The inquiry order was issued after BJP filed a complaint to Delhi LG saying that allegations are “false and baseless”. It also claimed that the allegations were intended to “tarnish” its image and foment unrest after voting was concluded on February 5.

According to reports, the ACB has raised five key questions in connection with the poaching claims. A visit from the agency also sparked unrest outside Kejriwal's residence on Friday — with AAP leaders refusing entry and contending that the officials had no mandate for their investigation.

Kejriwal has now been asked to join the investigation into claims that AAP MLAs were being offered bribes. An ACB notice also called on the party convenor to provide information about the 16 affected lawmakers. The requested details also include the contents of tweets posted by these MLAs and the identities of the individuals who made the bribery offers.

What are the bribery allegations against BJP?

Kejriwal alleged on Thursday that the BJP was trying to poach AAP candidates with a bribe of ₹15 crore each. The remarks came even as numerous exit polls predicted that the BJP would return to power in Delhi after 27 years. 

“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 Rs. 15 crore to each of them. If his party is getting more than 55 seats, then what is the need for him to call our candidates?” Kejriwal asked.

The Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) aims to script a hat-trick of victories in the Delhi Assembly polls 2025, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hopes to return to power after a 27-year drought. The Congress is keen to reclaim some of its past glory.

Most exit polls have predicted a BJP sweep. The Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party won the last two elections with a handsome mandate. In 2015, the party won 67 seats in the 70-member assembly. The party won again in 2020, bagging 62 seats. The BJP has not been in power since 1998.

(With inputs from agencies)