New Delhi: In a major political development, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has suffered a significant setback as seven of its Rajya Sabha Members of Parliament have reportedly revolted against the party and announced their merger with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The move has not only weakened AAP’s representation in the Upper House but has also brought internal rifts within the party into the spotlight.
AAP had a total of 10 Rajya Sabha MPs, and the sudden exit of seven members has pushed the defection beyond the two-thirds threshold, making them eligible for exemption under the anti-defection law.
Among those who reportedly left the party are Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Swati Maliwal, Ashok Mittal, Vikramjit Sahni, Rajinder Gupta, and former cricketer Harbhajan Singh. Six of these MPs are from Punjab and one from Delhi, indicating a strong political impact in Punjab’s political landscape.
According to sources, the political turmoil began on April 5 when AAP leadership removed Raghav Chadha from the post of Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha. Following this, differences between Chadha and the party leadership reportedly widened, eventually leading to a coordinated move by the MPs.
It is also reported that AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal attempted to persuade the rebel MPs and even offered them tickets for the next election cycle. However, by then, the MPs had already made up their minds to leave the party. Kejriwal reportedly called for a meeting, but the MPs announced their decision before it could take place.
Explaining his decision, Raghav Chadha stated that AAP had deviated from its original principles. He said, “The party I dedicated 15 years of my life to has drifted away from its values and ideals. I began to feel I was in the wrong party.”
Meanwhile, AAP leaders have termed the entire episode as part of “Operation Lotus,” alleging that the BJP is attempting to destabilize the party and the Punjab government by poaching its MPs. Senior leader Sanjay Singh claimed that central agencies like the ED and CBI were being misused to pressure leaders, calling it a politically motivated campaign.
