NEW DELHI: As the Delhi election results draw near, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to destabilize its mandate through alleged offers of money and ministerial positions to AAP candidates. The AAP leadership has termed these efforts as part of the BJP’s infamous ‘Operation Lotus,’ a strategy allegedly used to lure opposition legislators to switch sides.
On Thursday, BJP representatives reportedly contacted several AAP candidates, offering them ₹15 crore each and ministerial roles in exchange for defecting. In response, AAP’s national convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, convened a meeting with all 70 party candidates on Friday to strategize and prepare for the vote-counting process. Kejriwal reportedly urged the candidates to remain steadfast and uphold the mandate given by the people of Delhi.
Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia criticized the BJP, accusing the party of relying on money and intimidation to influence elections. “This abusive party (gali-galauj party) has resorted to disgraceful tactics even now, but after Saturday, their entire game will be over,” Sisodia stated during a press briefing.
Gopal Rai, AAP’s Delhi State Convenor, expressed confidence in the party’s performance, claiming that feedback from candidates suggests AAP is poised to win over 50 seats in the 70-member assembly. He alleged that the BJP is using exit polls to create a false narrative of its victory and exert psychological pressure on AAP candidates. Rai also disclosed that several AAP MLAs reported receiving offers to switch sides, with one MLA even making public the phone number of an individual who attempted to bribe him.
Mukesh Ahlawat, AAP candidate from Sultanpur Majra and a Delhi government minister, revealed that he received a WhatsApp call from an unidentified individual claiming to act on behalf of BJP leader Parvesh Verma. According to Ahlawat, the caller suggested that he could benefit from a meeting with Verma, hinting at a potential ministerial position if AAP fails to form the government. Ahlawat rejected the offer, asserting his loyalty to AAP.
The BJP has yet to respond to these allegations. As the counting day approaches, political tensions in Delhi remain high, with both parties gearing up for a decisive showdown.
