Verdict eve drama: Charges of poaching; probe by ACB

High political drama gripped the Capital on the eve of counting for the assembly elections on Friday as anti-corruption bureau (ACB) officials reached the residence of former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal over the latter's allegations that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders were attempting to bribe and poach Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidates through what they called "Operation Lotus".

- Alok KN Mishra

The probe was ordered by lieutenant governor (LG) VK Saxena on the basis of a letter submitted by BJP leader Vishnu Mittal, who demanded an FIR and investigation into the charges made by Kejriwal and AAP leader Sanjay Singh on Thursday evening. The ACB later issued Kejriwal a notice, sparking a furious response from the AAP.

"These allegations are extremely serious and therefore require urgent enquiry and intervention of ACB to establish the truth in the matter. You are, therefore, requested to make yourself available at any convenient time today," said the ACB notice, seen by HT.

It also asked Kejriwal five pointed questions about whether he himself made the post; if he agreed to the contents of the post; details of the 16 candidates who were allegedly being poached; details of the people who approached them; and other evidence in support of the claims.

The AAP called the moves by the ACB, which reports to the LG, as politically motivated and designed to intimidate the party.

"They did not provide us with a copy of the complaint nor revealed the name of the complainant. This is just a notice, and we will respond to it appropriately," said AAP's legal cell chief Sanjeev Nasiar.

Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva said that it was evident AAP leaders were "losing their mind due to fear of defeat". "From Kejriwal and Sanjay Singh to AAP spokespersons, their "Operation Lotus' allegations are merely an acceptance of their impending loss," Sachdeva said.

The notice warned of potential legal action and asked Kejriwal to explain why those spreading such allegations should not be prosecuted for creating "panic and unrest"-ratcheted up the political temperature with just hours to go for counting to begin at 8am on Saturday.

The AAP is hoping for a third consecutive full term while the BJP is aiming to break a 27-yearold jinx and storm back to power.