Amidst these legal entanglements, the political narrative unfolded further during the Assembly proceedings, with Kejriwal alleging bribery attempts by the BJP—a so-called ‘Operation Lotus’ aiming to destabilize his administration. He emphasized that despite such efforts, his party remained united. At the crux of the controversy lies heavy allegations that suggest a connection between illicit liquor policy practices and electoral financing, casting shadows on the integrity of political operations in the national capital territory. The BJP has pointed fingers at AAP’s expenditure for its Gujarat campaign, implying a possible misappropriation of funds obtained through an alleged scam.
Tension in the Delhi Assembly reverberated with the undercurrents of legal drama, as Kejriwal’s presence was sought by a court alongside the crucial budget session and trust vote. This confluence of governance and the legal system underscores the complexities of the political landscape, where leaders navigate through legal norms while striving to maintain legislative authority and public trust. Key political figures have already encountered the inside of a cell—perhaps revealing the severity of the allegations at play and the possible political strategies to come. As the Assembly engages in heated debates and votes, the judiciary will resume its inquiry mid-March, with all eyes waiting to see if legal proceedings will sway the balance of political power in the capital.
Delhi’s political stage saw a showcase of strength as Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called for a vote of confidence in the Assembly—his government’s second—in response to claims that the BJP was attempting to lure away AAP legislators. With behind-the-scenes maneuvers making the headlines, Kejriwal’s move was also a preemptive gesture against looming legal pressures. Earlier, he had engaged with the judiciary through a video link at a court session handling his alleged non-compliance with multiple summonses tied to the controversial excise policy. The substance of the allegation centers around Kejriwal’s supposed deliberate evasion.