New Delhi [India], January 22: BJP candidate Parvesh Verma, contesting from the New Delhi assembly constituency, has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission accusing Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other cabinet ministers of attempting to sway voters by distributing cash, alcohol, and other items.
Verma told ANI, “I have filed a formal complaint to the Election Commission and Delhi Police regarding the distribution of alcohol, money, and CCTVs by Punjab CM, ministers, their MLAs, and party workers. Over the past week, thousands of vehicles bearing ‘Government of Punjab’ stickers have been seen in the New Delhi constituency, engaging in these activities.”
Verma further claimed that AAP leaders, fearing a loss in the New Delhi constituency, were making baseless allegations against him. “They know they’re losing, which is why they are making false statements. I’ve also filed a Rs. 100 crore defamation case against Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann. The money from this case will be used for the welfare of the New Delhi constituency,” he added.
In response, AAP lashed out at Verma, accusing him of insulting Punjabis. Arvind Kejriwal shared a post on X, stating that Delhi is home to lakhs of Punjabis whose families have made significant sacrifices for the country. “There are lakhs of Punjabis in Delhi who have endured hardships and sacrificed for the nation, including Punjabi refugees who fled during partition,” Kejriwal said. He demanded an apology from the BJP, calling Verma’s comments an insult to the sacrifices of Punjabis.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann expressed the pain of the Punjabi community, calling it unfair to question their patriotism. “Every Punjabi is feeling extremely pained by these remarks,” Mann said.
Delhi will vote on February 5, with results set to be declared on February 8. A three-way battle is expected between AAP, BJP, and Congress in the upcoming election.