BJP faces bribery, misconduct allegations in MCD

A fresh political storm has erupted in Delhi’s Municipal Corporation after BJP councillor Anita allegedly accused South Zone chairman Umed Phogat of bribery, abuse and threats. The AAP seized upon the allegations on Friday, demanding a probe by central agencies, including the CBI and Enforcement Directorate.

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Addressing a press conference, AAP’s Delhi state president Saurabh Bharadwaj said: “This is exactly why the BJP was desperate to capture the MCD. Their leaders are now trading positions for lakhs of rupees and threatening their own councillors.”

Bharadwaj claimed that Phogat admitted in a WhatsApp call to paying Rs 70 lakh to secure his current post and used abusive language when confronted.

In a letter, purportedly submitted to Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh, Deoli ward councillor Anita accused Phogat, who defected to the BJP from AAP, of harassment, threats and hurling vulgar abuse against her and her husband. The AAP leader said the letter was submitted on June 18 but no action had been taken.

Bharadwaj also called it a case of money laundering and demanded that the BJP’s Delhi unit president Virendra Sachdeva and Mayor Singh take responsibility. He further alleged that the issue triggered internal chaos in a recent BJP press event held at MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri’s residence.

However, the BJP has strongly refuted the allegations, accusing AAP of manufacturing the letter to defame the party. In a press statement on Friday, Delhi Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh termed the letter “fake” and said it had deeply hurt councillor Anita’s dignity. “Saurabh Bharadwaj must apologise for circulating a false letter and dragging a woman councillor’s name into a political stunt,” Singh said.

The Mayor claimed he had personally spoken to councillor Anita, who allegedly denied authoring any such letter. “She and her family were shocked and traumatised,” he added. Singh also said Anita had submitted a handwritten clarification disowning the letter and rejecting all allegations.

Calling the move a result of AAP’s “political frustration” after losing control of the MCD, Singh said, “The AAP has stooped to new lows. It’s unfortunate that in their desperation, they have harmed the dignity of a woman and tarnish the image of the BJP.”

With both sides trading serious accusations and counterclaims, the controversy has now taken on a political and legal dimension. While AAP insists on an independent investigation into the bribery and misconduct charges, the BJP has called for a public apology and accused the AAP of fabricating evidence.