AAP alleges it has caught BJP leaders on camera offering money to an AAP legislator to switch
Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today claimed it has secretly filmed BJP leaders trying to buy the support of its legislator in a bid to form government in Delhi.
"Our legislators are not for sale. The BJP should watch out - our MLAs are honest and they in touch with us," Mr Kejriwal told NDTV, adding that his party would submit footage of its 'sting' to the Supreme Court tomorrow.
AAP's 17-minute video shows BJP leaders Sher Singh Dagar and Raghubir Dahiya allegedly persuading AAP MLA Dinesh Mohaniya to cross over and offering him money. Mr Kejriwal alleges that four crores were offered.
The video was allegedly recorded on Sunday at the residence of Mr Dagar, who did not deny the meeting but said he had never offered money. "They approached me and said we want to join your party. They met me many times," he said, "If the BJP wants to expel me, they can."
NDTV cannot verify the authenticity or contents of the video that has now been posted on the AAP's website and YouTube.
AAP's "sting" comes as sources say the BJP is inclined to accept an offer to form government, a possibility that emerged after Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung told President Pranab Mukherjee last week that the option of inviting the single largest party should be explored.
The BJP, with 29 legislators, is the largest group in the Delhi assembly but needs five more for a majority. Sources said in a meeting on Saturday night, BJP president Amit Shah and senior leader Nitin Gadkari discussed government formation in Delhi and Jagdish Mukhi as the party's choice for chief minister.
Both AAP and Congress have been pushing for fresh elections in Delhi, which has been under President's rule since Mr Kejriwal quit as Chief Minister after 49 days in power.
"The Supreme Court should take note of the AAP video and call fresh elections. The BJP did not have the numbers earlier, how will they get it now?" said Congress leader Ajay Maken.