Election Scandal: Car with fake Punjab govt tag seized in Delhi – BJP demands probe

Delhi: Delhi Police registered a case late Wednesday after intercepting a vehicle labeled “Punjab Government” near Punjab Bhavan on Copernicus Marg. The Flying Squad, tasked with monitoring Model Code of Conduct violations, flagged the Punjab-registered car in the New Delhi district. Upon inspection, officers discovered cash, liquor bottles, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) pamphlets inside the vehicle. "The seized car contained multiple liquor bottles, cash, and AAP campaign materials," read an official police statement. The vehicle’s suspicious nature and its contents raised concerns about potential election malpractice.

Vehicle not linked to the Punjab government

In response, the Punjab Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) clarified that the vehicle did not belong to the Punjab government. The statement revealed that the number plate, PB35AE1342, was registered to a 2018 Ford EcoSport owned by Major Anubhav Shivpuri, a resident of Maharashtra’s Khadki. However, the car seized by police was a Hyundai Creta, confirming that the number plate was forged. “No such vehicle is owned or hired by the Punjab government. The apprehended vehicle has no connection to the Punjab administration,” the DIPR’s statement, cited by ANI, read.

BJP slams AAP ver alleged corruption

The incident triggered a strong reaction from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva expressed outrage, stating that the recovery of ₹10 lakh in cash, liquor, and AAP election material exposed corruption. "Arvind Kejriwal has not only polluted Delhi’s air and water but has now tainted its political landscape with corruption,” Sachdeva alleged. He further claimed that Kejriwal, having lost public support, was resorting to liquor and cash to sway voters.

BJP candidate Satish Upadhyay echoed similar sentiments, condemning AAP for allegedly distributing liquor to influence the electorate. "This is AAP's culture—buying votes with liquor. It’s disgraceful," he remarked.

AAP dismisses allegations as ‘laughable’

AAP national spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar refuted the accusations, calling them "hilarious." She pointed out that the Punjab government had already clarified that the vehicle was not linked to them.

“The vehicle’s registration belongs to a Ford EcoSport, not a Hyundai Creta. The actual owner is from BJP-ruled Maharashtra, yet they claim it belongs to us,” Kakkar said. She further predicted that the BJP would lose the upcoming Delhi elections. As the February 5 election approaches, the political atmosphere remains tense. With the counting of votes set for February 8, this controversy has only intensified the battle for power in Delhi.