AAP Cries Foul Over BJP Conspiracy With LG's NIA Probe Recommendation Against Kejriwal

In a recent development that has stirred the political landscape of Delhi, Lt Governor V.K. Saxena has recommended an NIA probe against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The recommendation is based on allegations of receiving political funding from the banned terrorist organisation Sikhs for Justice, as per sources from Raj Niwas. This move has sparked a vehement response from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), with senior leader and Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj labeling the LG as an "agent of the BJP" and denouncing the probe as a conspiracy.

Bharadwaj accused the BJP of orchestrating this probe out of fear of losing the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, particularly pointing out their concern over the seven seats in Delhi. He recalled a similar pattern before the Punjab Assembly elections in 2022, suggesting a recurring strategy by the BJP to undermine Kejriwal's image. The AAP leader also highlighted a previous Public Interest Litigation (PIL) related to this matter that was dismissed by the High Court as frivolous.

The allegations center around AAP's supposed receipt of USD 16 million funding from extremist groups, aimed at facilitating the release of Devendra Pal Bhullar, who is serving a life sentence for his involvement in a 1993 bomb blast in Delhi. Despite these serious charges, Bharadwaj remains confident that, as with previous investigations ordered by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, no incriminating evidence will emerge.

Bharadwaj's statements reflect a broader narrative of political rivalry, with accusations flying between AAP and BJP. He asserts that the Delhi populace will see through these tactics and support Kejriwal, whom he credits with significant improvements in education, health, and utilities. The timing of these allegations, just before the voting for Delhi's Lok Sabha seats on May 25, has been criticized as a deliberate attempt to sway public opinion.

On the other side of the political divide, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva has expressed support for the LG's recommendation. Sachdeva accuses Kejriwal of consistently showing sympathy towards separatist causes throughout his political career and tenure with an NGO. This statement adds another layer to the ongoing political drama in Delhi, setting the stage for a contentious electoral battle.

The unfolding situation highlights not only the intense rivalry between AAP and BJP but also raises questions about the use of state machinery in political battles. As both parties prepare for the upcoming elections, the citizens of Delhi find themselves amidst a whirlwind of accusations and counter-accusations, waiting to see how these developments will impact their choices at the polls.