“Allegation politics” refers to the practice of making serious accusations against political opponents, often without substantial proof. Strategically, this tactic aims to tarnish an opponent’s reputation and weaken their public image.
“Allegation Politics” is not a new phenomenon for Mr Arvind Kejriwal (Chief Minister of Delhi and the co-founder of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Being at the forefront of allegation politics, Kejriwal has mastered the art of directing public attention towards the alleged wrongdoings of other political parties. Often, his allegations are against widespread corruption, inefficiency, and malpractices within the government. Since the start of his political journey in the year 2012, However, this strategy has been both a boon and a bane for Kejriwal, leading him to face severe criticism and legal challenges while also garnering significant public attention and support and face in the media.
His recent “Allegation” on the BJP Party of Operation Lotus 2.0 has created a political stir at New Delhi.
Sequence of the Political Events
- Mr. Kejriwal and his minister, Atishi Marlena, announced on social media on January 27., 2024, that the BJP is trying to topple the democratically elected AAP government. They alleged that seven MLAs of the AAP have been contacted by the BJP, which has made an offer of ₹ 25 crore each to buy out seven of his MLAs. (Mathematically, the total offer is Rs 175 crore.) Atishi also added that they have the Audio recording, which can be released at the right moment
Kejriwal had made the allegations in a post on X.
- A delegation of the Delhi BJP led by its chief Virender Sachdeva met the city police chief on January 30, seeking a probe.
- A team from the Crime Branch of Delhi Police reached the residence of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday and Saturday to serve him a notice personally in connection with a case.
- But after a long drama, Kejriwal didn’t meet them, for which Notice was handed over to the CM’s office on 03 Feb 2024
- Crime Branch Police reached Atishi Marlena’s residence on February 4th, 2024 and handed over the notice to OSD
- The police have asked Mr Kejriwal and Atishi Marlena to prove the allegations of poaching levelled by him. The notice also asks, to name the seven MPs of the Aam Aadmi Party who were approached for poaching and who from the BJP was approaching them, their mode of communication and also evidence of a poaching deal of 25 crores/ each MLA
- Kejriwal and Atishi Marlena have been asked to submit their response by Monday. (Feb 5th 2024)
- On February 3rd, 2024, Kejriwal shared a tweet in X
- On February 4, 2024, while laying the foundation stone of two school buildings in Kirari, Kejriwal again alleged against BJP, stating that “The BJP wants us to join their party but we will not bow down.”
Media Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAwUcGECwRg
- On Crime Branch officials at her residence, Delhi Minister and AAP leader Atishi says,
Source: ANI
“This notice is very interesting. It is neither an FIR nor a summons. It does not have sections of the IPC, CrPC, PMLA, or the Prevention of Corruption Act. After almost 48 hours of drama by the Delhi police, CM Arvind Kejriwal and I were given letters, and that is all.”
Next course of Actions
- Sources suggest that Both Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi Marlena won’t respond to Delhi Police notice as they have no supporting evidence to substantiate their allegations
- If they fail to provide any evidence, there is possibility of a “Defamation case” against them.
- However, the same is not new, as Kejriwal’s penchant for allegation politics has landed him in multiple legal troubles. These legal challenges often arise from defamation suits filed by those at the receiving end of his allegations. The most notable among these are the defamation case filed by former Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the case filed by former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, former Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, and the PM Modi Degree Defamation Case filed by Gujarat University.
- Mr. Kejriwal has earlier made an apology and paid a fine in defamation cases filed earlier.
- Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal has apologised to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for making unverified allegations against him.
- Delhi CM Kejriwal wrote a letter to Nitin Gadkari expressing regret and saying, “Both of us are in public life, belonging to different political parties. I made certain statements without regard to their verifiability, which seem to have hurt you, and there you have filed a defamation case against me. I have nothing personal against you. I regret the same.”.
- Kejriwal also sought an apology from Kapil Sibal and Amit Sibal. Following Kejriwal’s apology, Gadkari has withdrawn his complaint.
The Impact of Allegation Politics on Kejriwal’s Public Image
- The impact of allegation politics on Kejriwal’s public image has been polarizing, While his supporters view him as a crusader fighting against deep-rooted corruption in the political system, his critics accuse him of using sensationalism and unverified allegations to grab attention.
- In recent times, the Enforcement Department has approached the court as Mr. Kejriwal has skipped the 5th summons of ED in the Delhi liquor policy money laundering case.
- There are many other cases registered against him and his party workers for their alleged involvement in various illegal activities and scams in different departments of the Delhi government.
The Probabilities: Kejriwal’s Potential Legal Outcomes
The continuous stream of allegations and scams gives fodder to criticisms against New Delhi’s government, causing concern among citizens and political observers. The accusations and controversies surrounding Kejriwal are not limited to his personal domain anymore but cast a shadow over the image of New Delhi’s administration. With the mounting allegations, the pressing question remains: what are the potential legal outcomes for Kejriwal? Here, we look at the legal options, which range from being exonerated of all allegations to facing impeachment or even incarceration. Various constitutional experts and legal analysts weigh in on the probabilities and potential impacts on his political career. The question on everyone’s mind is whether Kejriwal could face jail time if found guilty of these allegations. As the Chief Minister of Delhi, the alleged improprieties might cost him his position or result in more severe consequences, like imprisonment. The same may have serious repercussions on his reputation, his future political career, and on the AAP’s party future.
Cover photo courtesy @AamAadmiParty/X