New Delhi (India), January 26: BJP candidate Parvesh Verma on Sunday accused Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal of distributing money to thousands of paid workers in exchange for votes. Verma, who is contesting against Kejriwal in the New Delhi assembly constituency, claimed that AAP party members were giving Rs 500 notes wrapped in calendars to slum dwellers.
“People associated with AAP are distributing Rs 500 notes wrapped in calendars in slum areas. Videos from the Gandhi camp surfaced just a day earlier showing these activities. The police arrested the individuals involved, and an NCR (Non-Cognizable Report) has been filed. Cases have been registered against them,” Verma alleged. “Thousands of people have been recruited and are paid Rs 800 daily to work for AAP. This money is not from their own pockets but is being provided by Arvind Kejriwal to help distribute money in exchange for votes.”
Verma condemned Kejriwal’s actions as “shameful” and accused him of bringing politics to a “new low.” He also stated that a complaint had been filed with both the Election Commission and the police, urging swift action to expose and dismantle the alleged operation.
The AAP has not yet responded to these allegations. As Delhi’s elections approach on February 5, AAP is seeking a third consecutive term, while the BJP aims to regain control of the city’s government. The vote count will take place on February 8, with 699 candidates vying for 70 Assembly seats.
The Congress party, which ruled Delhi for 15 consecutive years, has struggled in the last two elections, failing to secure any seats. In contrast, AAP dominated the 2015 and 2020 elections, winning 67 and 62 seats, respectively, while the BJP secured only three and eight seats.