AAP defends its leaders trapped by sting op

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday defended its leaders allegedly caught in a sting operation by a media organisation, which showed them trying to raise donations through illegal means. AAP leader Yogendra Yadav told a press conference here that the alleged tapes seem to be “doctored”, adding “we want the whole truth to be out.” “We had sent a letter and email asking Anuranjan Jha (reporter) for the raw footage of the sting. But he has not responded,” Yadav said. Yadav further requested the media to verify the authenticity of the CD before showing it on channels. “We want to get to the bottom of this matter. Whoever is to blame, we will prosecute,” Yadav said, adding the AAP is giving the reporter and the media organisation time till 3 pm to hand over the raw tapes. Failing which we will take legal action against them, Yadav added. He noted the AAP had earlier given Anuranjan time till 11 am to hand over the sting tapes. Arvind Kejriwal cries conspiracy, Shazia Ilmi offers to resign AAP’s Sanjay Singh said if the sting indeed is a conspiracy, the party will take legal action against them. “This isn't a Bigg Boss episode that you can edit and only show some footage as you want,” Singh said. “We will decide our options our political affairs meeting at 3.00 pm,” he said further. On Shazia Ilmi’s offer not to contest polls following the sting, the AAP said no decision has been taken on the offer. “Yes Shazia ilmi has offered to not contest elections but we have not accepted her request yet. Have asked her to wait,” Yadav said.