Political Earthquake: Raghav Chadha, 6 Other AAP Rajya Sabha MPs Resign and Merge with BJP
In a seismic development for Indian politics, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha announced on Friday, April 24, 2026, that he and six other parliamentarians are resigning from the party to merge with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This mass exit marks one of the most significant internal fractures in the party’s history, effectively altering the composition of the Upper House and sending shockwaves through the political landscape.
The announcement came following weeks of intensifying public rift between Chadha and the AAP leadership, culminating in his recent removal as the Deputy Leader of the party in the Rajya Sabha. Addressing the media in New Delhi, Chadha, flanked by fellow defecting MPs Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal, declared, “I am the right man in the wrong party.”
The Breakaway: Who Left?
The exodus includes a significant portion of AAP’s strength in the Upper House. Raghav Chadha confirmed that the seven MPs exercising the constitutional provision to merge with the BJP are:
- Raghav Chadha
- Sandeep Pathak
- Ashok Mittal
- Swati Maliwal
- Harbhajan Singh
- Rajinder Gupta
- Vikram Sahni
By aligning two-thirds of the party’s Rajya Sabha members, the group aims to invoke the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which allows for a merger with another party without attracting disqualification under the anti-defection law.
'Deviated from Principles': Reasons Behind the Split
Chadha’s departure was framed as a battle for the party’s soul. He alleged that AAP, which he described as a movement he helped build “with blood and sweat” over 15 years, has moved away from its foundational values.
“The party is no longer working for the country or in the national interest, but for personal gain,” Chadha stated. He expressed deep frustration over the leadership’s direction, suggesting that the ideals of a corruption-free India that once drew him to the party have been compromised. He reassured his constituents that despite the switch in affiliation, his commitment to raising public issues remains unwavering.
Embracing the 'Modi-Shah' Leadership
During the press conference, Chadha lauded the current central government for its decisive governance. He specifically praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their strong stance on national security and economic growth.
“The people have endorsed this leadership not once, not twice, but three times. We all feel fortunate to work under this leadership and will continue to work tirelessly for the nation,” he added.
AAP’s Reaction: Allegations of Misuse of Agencies
The Aam Aadmi Party reacted swiftly to the development, terming it a result of political pressure. AAP leader Sanjay Singh alleged that the BJP has “launched Operation Lotus” by misusing central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to coerce and break away party leaders.
Singh warned that the public, particularly in Punjab, would hold the defecting MPs accountable for what he characterized as a betrayal of the mandate.
What Lies Ahead?
This merger is set to significantly bolster the BJP’s numbers in the Rajya Sabha, potentially easing the passage of critical legislation in the upcoming parliamentary sessions. As the dust settles on this historic political maneuver, observers are keenly watching for the electoral impact, especially with the ruling party now facing a major leadership vacuum in the Upper House.
Author: M Jyosri
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