The Bharatiya Janata Party issued a defamation notice to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and minister Atishi a day after she alleged that the BJP had approached her through a close aide to induce her to join their party.

Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva stated, "She lied. We do not require Atishi in our party." The defamation notice demands the disclosure of the individual who allegedly contacted her. Sachdeva added that if Atishi fails to respond within 15 days, the party will consider pursuing civil and criminal defamation proceedings.

Sachdeva accused AAP of fabricating stories of arrests involving its leaders whenever it faces pressure. He stated that such claims were made without evidence. Sachdeva highlighted that all arrests related to the liquor scam, which allegedly involves AAP leaders, have been substantiated through legal proceedings up to the Supreme Court.

He expressed concern that Atishi's allegations could damage the reputation of the BJP and its leadership. Consequently, the party issued a defamation notice to Atishi, urging her to retract the accusations.

Atishi claimed that the ED was considering the arrest of her and AAP leaders Saurabh Bharadwaj, Durgesh Pathak, and Raghav Chadha. She alleged that they were informed of potential arrests if they did not align with the BJP. Atishi stated that she was advised to advance her political career by joining the BJP, or face arrest by the ED within a month.

She further asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP had resolved to suppress AAP and its leadership.

Praveen Shankar Kapoor, a Delhi leader, issued the defamation notice on behalf of the party, highlighting the proliferation of baseless allegations. He emphasised that the accusations were unfounded, lacked concrete or accurate information. Kapoor pointed out that the accusers had failed to disclose details such as the identity of the individual who purportedly contacted Atishi or the timing of the alleged interaction.

Image source: Times of India