New Delhi : In a high-stakes political drama, the Delhi Crime Branch has launched an intensive investigation into allegations of horse-trading involving Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs. The controversy centers on claims made by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Delhi Education Minister Atishi in which they accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of trying to topple the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi by horse-trading of AAP MLAs. With this matter coming to light, the fight in Delhi politics between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and the opposition BJP seems to be deepening.
#WATCH | A team of Delhi Police Crime Branch officials present at the residence of Delhi Minister and AAP leader Atishi
— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2024
Police officials are here to serve notice in connection with Aam Aadmi Party's allegation against BJP "of trying to buy AAP MLAs". https://t.co/M0HQgPOzpD pic.twitter.com/VU9QozNKAF
On Sunday morning, a team of Crime Branch of Delhi Police in official uniform reached the door of the house of Delhi Government Minister Atishi Marlena without informing her. Objective? To give notices related to ongoing investigations. Prominent Aam Aadmi Party leader and government minister Atishi Marlena was not present at home at that time. However, notice was taken on his behalf by his office staff. Delhi Police is leaving no stone unturned in search of clarity in this matter.
At the same time, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had accused the Modi government and BJP of horse trading by offering Rs 25 crore to each of the seven Aam Aadmi Party MLAs. Arvind Kejriwal had said that the Bharatiya Janata Party is trying to destabilize the Delhi government by breaking its MLAs. These allegations of Kejriwal have created a stir in the political circles.
After these allegations, Bharatiya Janata Party reached Delhi Police with a complaint, after which the Crime Branch came to serve notice to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Minister Atishi Marlena at their residence. In the notice sent by Delhi Police to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, he has been asked to provide evidence to prove his claims within three days. Delhi Police is taking keen interest in identifying the AAP MLAs who were allegedly contacted by the BJP.
#WATCH | Delhi: On Delhi CM and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal and AAP leader Atishi Marlena's allegations against BJP of poaching AAP MLAs, Delhi BJP Secretary Harish Khurana says, "Whether it is Atishi or Arvind Kejriwal, if you have made allegations, you'll have to produce… pic.twitter.com/4Tzxd0g3QJ
— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2024
While doing the latest investigation in this matter, now all the attention of Delhi Police has focused on Delhi Education Minister Atishi Marlena. The crime branch team, regardless of his absence, has reached his residence to serve him a similar notice. Atishi, known for her unwavering commitment towards education and governance, is likely to return to Delhi from Chandigarh soon. Delhi Police seeks his cooperation in furthering its investigation into the allegations of alleged horse-trading of MLAs by Arvind Kejriwal.
The drama increased further when Crime Branch officials reached Chief Minister Kejriwal’s residence to serve him notice. After a dramatic five-hour standoff, they served notice to their officials. Arvind Kejriwal, a seasoned politician, now faces the challenge of providing concrete evidence to support his claims. It remains to be seen with how much transparency and accountability M Arvind Kejriwal responds to the notice given by Delhi Police.
On the other hand, BJP has immediately retaliated and rejected Arvind Kejriwal’s allegations outright. Party leaders branded him a “liar” and “baseless”. Bharatiya Janata Party Delhi State chief Virendra Sachdeva, leading his delegation, met the Delhi Police Chief’s office and complained about the matter and demanded a thorough investigation. The political scenario of Delhi remains charged as soon as this incident comes to light.
As the investigation is unfolding, Delhi’s concern is increasing. The tussle between AAP-BJP has intensified and the citizens of Delhi are anxiously waiting for further developments. The horse-trading saga, with its ups and downs, highlights the fragility of power of both parties and the battle for moral supremacy. Delhi Police, which is entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining law and order, is taking cautious steps to find out the truth behind the allegations.
