AAP Counters BJP's Allegations of Illegal Foreign Funding During Polls

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has vehemently denied allegations of illicitly acquiring foreign funds, describing these claims as a politically motivated attack by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) amidst the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. During a press conference, AAP leaders Atishi and Sandeep Pathak accused the BJP of resurrecting an old issue in an attempt to tarnish the reputation of the Kejriwal-led government, anticipating further accusations as the Delhi elections approach.

Official sources revealed on Monday that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached the Union Home Ministry with allegations against AAP, asserting that the party has received over Rs 7 crore in foreign contributions in violation of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). This communication from the ED followed the discovery of documents and emails in a money laundering investigation linked to drugs involving former Punjab AAP MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira among others.

AAP leaders have countered these allegations by stating that all necessary proof of their innocence has already been submitted to the relevant authorities. They emphasized their commitment to transparency in financial dealings, highlighting their comprehensive donation records submitted to the Election Commission. Atishi criticized the BJP for engaging in what she termed as "dirty politics," asserting that these baseless allegations stem from BJP's fear of losing to AAP in the polls.

Atishi further alleged that after failing to implicate AAP leaders in various scandals, including a liquor scam and issues involving Swati Maliwal, the BJP has now concocted this new conspiracy. She warned that if the INDIA bloc were to win power post-June 4, a thorough investigation into the corruption allegations against the BJP would be initiated.

She also criticized the BJP's governance since 2014, pointing out their failure to address inflation and unemployment, which has led to widespread public dissatisfaction. Atishi argued that these factors, combined with AAP's governance record, have left the BJP apprehensive about its electoral prospects.

Sandeep Pathak highlighted that these unfounded allegations have inadvertently boosted AAP's vote share. He recalled how in 2015, the Union Home Ministry had absolved AAP of similar charges, following a thorough examination of evidence submitted by the party to various agencies including the Enforcement Directorate, CBI, and MHA itself.

Pathak accused the ED of acting under BJP's influence, suggesting that the revival of old and baseless cases is indicative of BJP's anxiety over its performance in the early phases of the Lok Sabha polls. This ongoing political skirmish underscores a tense pre-election atmosphere, with both parties trading accusations and defending their positions amidst critical electoral battles.