Jasveer Singh
Delhi Election 2025 : Arvind Kejriwal Alleges BJP Tried to Bribe AAP Candidates
Delhi Election 2025 : As the political battle intensifies ahead of the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, a major controversy has erupted with Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to bribe AAP candidates. Kejriwal claims that BJP leaders approached several of his party’s candidates, offering them crores of rupees and promising them ministerial positions in exchange for defecting to the BJP.
Delhi Election 2025 : The Allegations
During a press conference, Kejriwal alleged that 16 AAP candidates had been approached by the BJP with an offer of Rs 15 crore each. He questioned the BJP’s need for such tactics, especially when some pre-election surveys predict a landslide victory for the party. Kejriwal suggested that these surveys might be manipulated to create a favorable atmosphere for political poaching.
The Delhi CM further claimed that the BJP’s alleged attempts to buy AAP leaders were proof of their desperation and lack of confidence in the elections. He accused the party of engaging in unethical means to dismantle AAP’s stronghold in Delhi, which has remained unchallenged since 2015.
BJP’s Response
The BJP has dismissed Kejriwal’s allegations as baseless and a mere publicity stunt to gain sympathy from voters. BJP leaders have countered that AAP is making these claims because they fear losing ground in the upcoming elections. Some BJP spokespersons have accused Kejriwal himself of being involved in corrupt practices and misleading the public with fabricated accusations.
Past Instances of Alleged Political Poaching
This is not the first time that AAP has accused BJP of attempting to break their party. Similar allegations surfaced in 2022 when Kejriwal claimed that several of his MLAs were offered money to switch sides. However, none of these allegations have been proven with substantial evidence. Political defections have been a long-standing issue in Indian politics, with multiple parties accusing each other of using financial and political power to lure opposition leaders.
Election Scenario in Delhi
The 2025 Delhi Assembly elections are expected to be a high-stakes battle between AAP and BJP. In the 2020 elections, AAP secured a landslide victory, winning 62 out of 70 seats, while BJP managed to win only eight. Despite its poor performance, the BJP has remained a strong opposition, focusing on issues like law and order, pollution, and alleged corruption within the AAP government.
However, in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, BJP performed well in Delhi, which has given them renewed confidence in capturing power in the Assembly elections. The saffron party has been aggressively campaigning in the capital, promising better governance, infrastructural development, and economic reforms.
Implications of the Allegations
If Kejriwal’s allegations are proven true, it could significantly damage BJP’s credibility among voters. Political horse-trading is considered unethical, and the perception of BJP indulging in such practices could alienate a section of the electorate. On the other hand, if AAP fails to provide concrete proof of the bribery allegations, it could backfire on them, with voters perceiving it as a political gimmick to distract from governance issues.
These allegations have also put the Election Commission of India (ECI) under pressure to take necessary actions to ensure fair elections. If AAP presents any evidence supporting its claims, the ECI may have to launch an investigation into the matter.
Legal Consequences of Bribery in Elections
Bribery and political defection come under the purview of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Anti-Defection Law. If proven, such actions can lead to disqualification of the candidates involved and legal action against the responsible parties. However, proving these allegations is often challenging due to a lack of concrete evidence.
AAP’s Strategy Moving Forward
AAP has been vocal about its governance model, highlighting achievements such as free electricity, improved healthcare facilities, and better education infrastructure. Kejriwal’s party will continue to focus on these issues to appeal to the common people and maintain their hold over Delhi. However, these bribery allegations have now become a central topic of discussion and could influence voter perception.
To counter BJP’s aggressive campaigning, AAP is expected to use this controversy to reinforce its anti-corruption image. The party will likely emphasize how it has been targeted for being a people-centric government and accuse BJP of trying to destabilize a democratically elected administration.
BJP’s Counterattack
The BJP, on the other hand, is expected to shift the focus to governance failures and corruption charges against AAP leaders. They will continue to highlight issues such as the alleged mismanagement of public funds and law-and-order concerns in Delhi. The BJP’s narrative is likely to revolve around the need for a double-engine government (both at the state and central level) to ensure better development in the capital.
Voter Sentiment and the Road Ahead
Delhi voters have always been known for their pragmatic approach to elections. While governance and development remain key factors, political controversies like these also shape public opinion. The final outcome of the election will depend on multiple factors, including voter turnout, campaign strategies, and the effectiveness of allegations and counter-allegations.
Conclusion
As the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections approach, the political atmosphere in the capital is becoming increasingly heated. Kejriwal’s allegations against BJP have added another layer of drama to the already intense electoral battle. Whether these claims hold any truth or are merely a strategic move remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the upcoming election will be one of the most closely watched political contests in recent history.
