In a dramatic political twist, Raghav Chadha has announced that he will join the Bharatiya Janata Party, along with a large group of MPs from the Aam Aadmi Party. The move is being seen as a major setback for party chief Arvind Kejriwal, especially as it comes just weeks after Chadha was reportedly sidelined within the party.
Major Political Shock in Delhi
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Chadha said that around two-thirds of AAP’s 10 members in the Rajya Sabha will merge with the BJP. This includes several prominent names, making it one of the biggest internal shifts in AAP’s history.
“We have signed and submitted the decision to merge with the BJP to the Chairman of Rajya Sabha,” Chadha said.
Because the anti-defection law allows mergers when two-thirds of a party’s lawmakers agree, this move is not expected to attract disqualification.
Who All Are Joining BJP?
Chadha revealed that leaders like Harbhajan Singh and Swati Maliwal are also part of the switch. Other MPs expected to join include Rajinder Gupta, Vikram Sahney, Ashok Mittal, and Sandeep Pathak.
After these exits, only three AAP MPs are expected to remain in the Rajya Sabha: Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, Sanjay Singh, and ND Gupta.
“AAP Is No Longer the Same”: Chadha
Explaining his decision, Chadha did not hold back. He said the party he helped build has lost its original values.
“I have given 15 years of my life to AAP. But today, the party has moved away from honest politics. I feel I am in the wrong party. AAP has become corrupt and compromised,” he said.
Chadha added that he had two choices — either quit politics or take what he believes is the right step. He chose the latter.
“I don’t want to be part of wrongdoing. We, two-thirds of AAP’s Rajya Sabha MPs, will now merge with BJP,” he said.
AAP Reacts Strongly
Soon after the announcement, AAP leaders hit back sharply. The party accused Chadha of betrayal and blamed the BJP for engineering the split.
Sanjay Singh said, “AAP made him what he is today, and now he has gone into BJP’s lap. Seven MPs are leaving. People of Punjab will remember this.”
He also accused the BJP of repeatedly trying to block the work of the Bhagwant Mann-led government in Punjab.
What Happens Next?
Sources suggest that Chadha could be rewarded with a key role in the central government after joining BJP, possibly even a Union Minister position.
Chadha has been with AAP since its founding in 2012 and was considered one of Kejriwal’s closest aides. His exit marks a turning point in the party’s journey.
For now, all eyes are on how this political shake-up will impact AAP’s future and the larger national political landscape.
