A Delhi court on May 28 summoned Delhi Cabinet Minister and AAP leader Atishi Marlena in a defamation case filed by BJP leader Praveen Shankar Kapoor. The allegations stem from poaching claims made by Atishi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The court has directed Atishi to appear on June 29, while Kejriwal has not been summoned.
Kapoor’s defamation suit alleges that AAP leaders were approached by the BJP with offers of cash to join their ranks, claims that have not been substantiated. Atishi has also stated that she received an offer to join the BJP to protect her political career or face arrest.
In his application to the court, Kapoor cited a social media post by Kejriwal on January 27, in which he alleged that the BJP had contacted seven AAP MLAs and offered them ₹25 crores each to poach them. Kapoor also cited the contents of a press briefing by Atishi on April 2, in which she claimed to have received an offer to join the BJP to “save” her “political career” or face arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
In his plea, Kapoor sought the withdrawal of the allegedly defamatory statements and an apology on television and social media. If his demands are not met, Kapoor stated that he will initiate civil and criminal proceedings against Atishi.
