“No Vacancy”: BJP Rejects AAP Leader Atishi’s Claim of Offer to Join

New Delhi: Union Minister Hardeep Puri on Tuesday dismissed claims by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi of being approached by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with an offer to switch sides. Atishi alleged she was threatened with arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) if she didn’t comply.

Puri countered Atishi’s assertions, referencing the ongoing liquor policy scam engulfing the AAP. He stated that amidst the scandal, the BJP wasn’t interested in accommodating Atishi or creating further turmoil within their party.

Atishi’s allegations stem from heightened tensions between AAP and BJP, exacerbated by investigations into the Delhi liquor excise policy scandal. Several AAP leaders, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, have faced arrests and charges.

The situation escalated with the recent arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, whom the ED labelled as the “kingpin” in the alleged scam. AAP accuses the BJP of orchestrating arrests to undermine opposition ahead of elections, while the BJP maintains its stance on combating corruption independently.

Atishi remains defiant, stating AAP won’t succumb to BJP’s intimidation tactics, despite potential threats of raids and arrests by the ED.