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Atishi, an Aam Aadmi Party minister, has voiced concerns about alleged pressure to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or face potential arrest. She asserts that this coercion is part of a broader pattern of targeting AAP leaders ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, following Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s recent judicial custody in a liquor scam case.
Atishi Claims Pressure to Join BJP or Face Arrest. Speaking at a press conference in Delhi, Atishi revealed that she was approached by a close associate with an offer to join the BJP, purportedly to salvage her political career. She warned of impending arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) if she does not comply with this demand.
VIDEO | Here’s what Delhi Minister and AAP leader Atishi (@AtishiAAP) said during a press conference.
“I want to inform everyone that the BJP, through a very close person of mine, approached me to join the party. I was asked to join the party and save my political career, or… pic.twitter.com/WT8fzUqXUi
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 2, 2024
Atishi went on to predict the imminent arrest of four more AAP leaders – Saurabh Bharadwaj, Durgesh Pathak, and Raghav Chadha – within the next two months. She alleges that the ED has cited statements dating back one and a half years, which are already known to the agency, as grounds for this action.
Responding to inquiries about Arvind Kejriwal’s potential resignation, Atishi cited legal provisions, asserting that he has not been convicted and enjoys majority support in the Delhi Assembly.
#WATCH | Delhi Minister and AAP leader Atishi says, "Yesterday the ED took Saurabh Bharadwaj and my name in the court, on the basis of a statement which is available with ED and CBI for one and a half years, this statement is in the charge sheet of ED. This statement is also in… pic.twitter.com/oPRecz0QBZ
— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2024
In response to Atishi’s claims, BJP leaders have challenged her to reveal the identity of the individual who approached her to join their party, threatening to file a complaint against her otherwise.
#WATCH | When asked whether Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal will resign from his post, Delhi Minister and AAP leader Atishi says, "There are two constitutional and legal provisions related to this in our country. Representation of the People Act says that if you have a conviction for… pic.twitter.com/niP7CRlrFS
— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2024
These allegations and counter-allegations underscore the heightened political tensions in Delhi as the Lok Sabha elections draw nearer, with both parties engaging in a war of words amidst accusations and denials.
