In a major political development, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Raghav Chadha has announced his decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming that several other Rajya Sabha MPs from his party will follow suit. The move is being seen as a significant setback for AAP chief and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Addressing a press conference, Chadha said that nearly two-thirds of AAP’s 10 Rajya Sabha members are expected to align with the BJP, signaling a possible split in the party’s parliamentary presence in the Upper House. His decision comes weeks after he was reportedly sidelined within the party, a development that had triggered speculation about internal rifts.
Chadha justified his move by accusing the AAP of straying from its founding principles. “The party that once rose to power on the promise of clean and honest politics has moved away from those ideals,” he said, adding that his decision was guided by a commitment to transparency and governance.
The AAP, however, reacted strongly, accusing Chadha of betrayal. Party leaders stated that the people of Punjab and the country would respond to his actions at the appropriate time. They also dismissed his allegations, asserting that the party remains committed to its core values.
Political observers view this development as a major blow to AAP, particularly in the Rajya Sabha, where numbers play a crucial role in legislative influence. The possible defection of multiple MPs could weaken the party’s position and strengthen the BJP’s standing in the Upper House.
The situation is likely to evolve further in the coming days, with attention now focused on how many MPs ultimately shift allegiance and what impact it will have on the broader political landscape.
