‘BJP approached her to join them’ says Delhi Minister Atishi

Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Minister Atishi alleged on Tuesday that she was approached by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with an offer to join them, warning her of potential Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrest if she declined.

Speaking at a press conference, Atishi claimed, “The BJP, through one of my close aides, approached me to join their party to save my political career, and if I do not join the BJP, then in the coming month, I will be arrested by the ED.”

She accused the BJP-led Centre of attempting to intimidate the AAP by leveraging investigative agencies. Atishi asserted the party’s determination not to succumb to such pressure, affirming their allegiance to Arvind Kejriwal’s leadership and the principles of democracy.

In a bold statement, she predicted the arrest of more AAP leaders, including Raghav Chadha and Saurabh Bharadwaj, in the two months leading up to the general elections. Atishi alleged that this was part of a concerted effort by the BJP and the ED to weaken the party.

Referring to the ED’s mention of her and Saurabh Bharadwaj’s names in court, Atishi pointed out the long-standing nature of the statement used as a basis for their involvement. She claimed it was an attempt to target the next line of AAP leadership following the arrests of prominent members.

Meanwhile, the ED informed the court on Monday about Arvind Kejriwal’s statement during custody, emphasizing his limited interaction with former AAP communication-in-charge Vijay Nair. The agency highlighted evidence suggesting Nair’s close association with the AAP leadership and his involvement in the alleged irregularities.

Kejriwal’s judicial custody till April 15 stems from his alleged involvement in a money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy. While not named in the initial FIRs, his name surfaced in the ED’s chargesheet, indicating communication with key accused individuals.

Despite these challenges, the AAP remains steadfast in its commitment to its principles and objectives under Kejriwal’s leadership.