AAP Leader Accuses BJP of Coercing Councillors to Join

By A Staff Reporter
In a recent statement, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Somnath Bharti has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of employing undue pressure tactics to lure councillors from his party. Bharti specifically highlighted the defection of three AAP councillors, asserting that their switch to BJP was not made under normal circumstances. Among those who joined BJP is Sarita Phogat, who Bharti described as a close associate and "like a big sister" to him, having worked together for the past decade.

Expressing his discontent, Bharti stated, "BJP has put undue pressure, lured and threatened our councillors, and three of them have joined the party today." He emphasized the emotional and professional bond he shares with Phogat, suggesting that her decision to join the BJP was influenced by external coercion rather than a genuine political shift. Bharti’s remarks reflect the tension and rivalry between AAP and BJP, particularly in the context of local governance and electoral dynamics.

The defection of councillors is a significant issue in political circles, often seen as a barometer of party strength and stability. Bharti's claims highlight the contentious environment in which parties operate, especially in Delhi, where both AAP and BJP vie for political supremacy. He called for scrutiny into the circumstances surrounding these defections, insisting that they were not voluntary but rather a product of BJP's manipulative strategies.