Arvind Kejriwal claims AAP candidates offered ₹15 crore to join BJP; minister says 'won't leave party'

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Arvind Kejriwal Claims AAP Candidates Offered ₹15 Crore to Join BJP; Minister Says 'Won't Leave Party'

Arvind Kejriwal Claims AAP Candidates Offered ₹15 Crore to Join BJP; Minister Says 'Won't Leave Party'

In a startling revelation, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal recently claimed that some Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidates were offered a whopping ₹15 crore each to switch loyalties and join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This sensational allegation has triggered a political storm, with the AAP and BJP trading barbs over the issue. In this blog post, we delve deeper into the controversy and explore its implications for Indian politics.

The Allegation

Addressing a press conference on January 27, 2023, Kejriwal claimed that some AAP candidates contesting the upcoming municipal elections in Delhi had been approached by BJP leaders with an offer of ₹15 crore each to defect to the saffron party. Kejriwal asserted that despite the temptation, all AAP candidates had unanimously rejected the offer, reaffirming their commitment to the party's ideology and principles.

BJP's Response

The BJP was quick to dismiss Kejriwal's allegations as baseless and a desperate attempt to gain political mileage ahead of the municipal polls. Delhi BJP president Adesh Gupta termed the claims as "ludicrous" and challenged Kejriwal to provide evidence to substantiate his charges. Gupta also accused the AAP of indulging in horse-trading and poaching MLAs from other parties in the past.

The Political Backdrop

Kejriwal's allegations come at a time when the AAP and BJP are locked in a bitter political battle for supremacy in Delhi. The municipal elections, scheduled to be held in April, are being seen as a prestige battle for both parties. The AAP, which has been ruling Delhi since 2015, is seeking to consolidate its position in the national capital, while the BJP is desperate to regain lost ground.

Implications for Indian Politics

The allegations of horse-trading and political poaching are not new to Indian politics. Over the years, several instances have come to light where politicians have switched parties for monetary gains or other considerations. However, Kejriwal's claims have once again brought the issue to the fore, underscoring the need for stricter norms to curb such practices.

The Need for Electoral Reforms

The latest controversy involving the AAP and BJP highlights the urgent need for electoral reforms in India. The use of money power to lure candidates and influence elections is a serious threat to democracy. It not only undermines the sanctity of the electoral process but also erodes public trust in political parties and leaders. To restore faith in the system, it is imperative to introduce stringent measures to check the misuse of money power in politics.

Conclusion

Arvind Kejriwal's allegations of BJP offering ₹15 crore to AAP candidates to switch loyalties have set off a political firestorm. While the BJP has vehemently denied the charges, the incident has once again brought the issue of horse-trading and political poaching to the fore. It is high time that political parties and the Election Commission of India took concrete steps to cleanse the electoral process and restore the sanctity of democracy.

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