Probe Ordered into AAP’s ‘Op Lotus’ Charge | Aakhir Tak

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Delhi’s Lt Governor ordered a probe into AAP’s “Operation Lotus” allegations against the BJP.
2. AAP accused BJP of attempting to poach its MLAs.
3. Sanjay Singh claimed BJP offered AAP MLAs Rs 15 crore each.
4. The order follows a complaint by Delhi BJP Secretary Vishnu Mittal.
5. ACB has formed three teams to investigate the matter.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena has directed the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to investigate the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) “Operation Lotus” charge against the BJP. This development comes just a day before the results of the Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled to be declared. AAP alleges the BJP offered money to its MLAs to switch parties. These Operation Lotus allegations have sent ripples through Delhi politics.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh claimed that the BJP offered Rs 15 crore each to seven AAP candidates to switch sides. He also alleged that the candidates received phone calls from the BJP after the elections. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal tweeted similar allegations, stating that the BJP offered Rs 15 crore to 16 candidates in exchange for making them ministers. Operation Lotus refers to an alleged strategy of the BJP to destabilize opposition-led governments.

The Lt Governor’s order follows a formal complaint made by Delhi BJP Secretary Vishnu Mittal. Mittal stated in his complaint that the allegations made by Kejriwal and Singh are serious and require immediate investigation. He also noted that the AAP leaders failed to provide any evidence to support their claims. The Operation Lotus claims are unsubstantiated, according to Mittal.

The BJP leader argued that by spreading false and misleading information, AAP is attempting to create panic and unrest in Delhi following the elections. He requested the Lt Governor to deploy the ACB to conduct a probe and called for Kejriwal and Singh to be summoned for detailed inquiry.

Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor, Ashish Kundra, confirmed that Saxena had ordered the ACB to conduct a probe into the allegations. The ACB has formed three teams to investigate the matter. Sanjay Singh’s statement is being recorded at the agency’s office, while officials will record Kejriwal and AAP Minister Mukesh Kumar Ahlawat’s statements at their residences. The Operation Lotus investigation is underway.

AAP’s charge against the BJP emerged after exit polls suggested the BJP’s return to power in the capital after a 27-year hiatus. Exit polls indicated a potential BJP majority. However, AAP rejected the exit polls, citing past inaccuracies.

Delhi witnessed a three-way battle between AAP, BJP, and Congress. The voter turnout was 60.55%. The election results will be announced on Saturday. The truth behind the Operation Lotus allegations may become clearer after the results are known.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• Delhi LG ordered ACB probe into AAP’s allegations against BJP.
• AAP accused BJP of attempting to buy its MLAs.
• BJP denies the “Operation Lotus” allegations.
• ACB formed three teams for the investigation.
• Election results are scheduled for Saturday.

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