The political arena of Delhi has become a battleground with recent allegations and subsequent investigation notices intensifying the clash between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal faced a dramatic situation when Crime Branch personnel delivered him an official notice, in response to his claims of BJP’s attempt to lure away seven AAP legislators in an effort to destabilize his government.
Following Kejriwal’s online revelations about the alleged bribe offers, Delhi Minister Atishi supported his allegations, imputing the BJP of instigating ‘Operation Lotus 2.0.’ The BJP reacted by seeking an investigation into the matter, which led to Delhi Police officials, amidst much controversy, serving notices not only to Kejriwal but also to Atishi, who was not present to receive it. The AAP condemned the police’s actions as ‘dramatic’ and accused them of collaborating with the media to mar the Chief Minister’s image. In contrast, Delhi BJP leader Virender Sachdeva criticized Kejriwal’s conduct and dismissed the poaching claims as a distraction from his own corruption issues.
As Kejriwal and his party members responded to the unfolding events, dismissing the police’s actions as theatrics orchestrated by their political adversaries, the issue has raised questions regarding the duties of law enforcement and the growing intensity of political rivalries. Amidst this, the Delhi Chief Minister continues to face pressure from central agencies, particularly the Enforcement Directorate (ED), regarding the Delhi excise policy case. Despite avoiding ED’s summons, he has been vocally critical, flagging these legal pursuits as politically motivated tactics by the BJP, who he suggests fears his political influence.