‘Stung’ BJP issues showcause notice to Dagar; says another attempt by ‘hit-and-run’ AAP to stay relevant in politics
Embarrassed by the sting exposé by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the BJP on Monday slapped a showcause notice on its Delhi unit vice president Sher Singh Dagar who allegedly offered a bribe to an AAP MlA for switching sides.
It gave three days’ time to Dagar to reply to the charge that he had offered Rs 4 crore to Aam Aadmi Party MlA from Sangam Vihar Dinesh Mohania amid moves by BJP for Government formation in Delhi. “We have issued a showcause notice to Dagar on these allegations by AAP. He has clarified his stand in the media. However, BJP will take any final decision only after getting his reply,” Delhi BJP chief Satish Upadhyay told reporters.
Upadhyay maintained that party has “not authorised any person for anything”. “I will not respond to any sponsored things. The party is not bothered by such allegations. They (AAP) can say anything.” Attacking AAP, BJP vice-president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said it was another attempt by “hit-and-run party” to stay relevant in politics.
On Monday the AAP accused Dagar of offering bribe to Mohania to switch sides against the backdrop of Government formation moves in the Capital. “The BJP has been approaching our MlAs to make them switch sides by luring them with money and other offers. This time they offered Mohania Rs 4 crore. They also told him that he could contest election on a BJP ticket and even if he loses, he will be given chairmanship of any Government run board,” said Arvind Kejriwal, AAP convener.
However, Dagar totally denied the allegations and claimed that he was being framed. “If any charge is proved against me, I will quit my 44-year-old political career,” he said. The Delhi BJP vice president also offered to face any probe by the party in this regard.
Meanwhile, BJP MlA Sahab Singh Chauhan from Ghonda constituency alleged that Dagar and Arvind Kejriwal were hand-in-glove and it was a conspiracy to defame BJP. “This is not a sting operation instead it is pre-planned. Dagar and Kejriwal have made conspiracy to defame BJP. In this situation, BJP should definitely take action against Dagar,” Chauhan said.