Raghav Chadha Joins BJP Deals Blow To Kejriwal

In a major political development, Raghav Chadha has announced his decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), along with six other Members of Parliament from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The move is being seen as a significant setback for AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, especially as it involves a large section of the party’s representation in the Rajya Sabha.

Speaking at a press conference, Chadha confirmed that nearly two-thirds of AAP’s 10 Rajya Sabha MPs have agreed to merge with the BJP. This includes leaders such as Harbhajan Singh, Swati Maliwal, Rajinder Gupta, Vikram Sahney, Ashok Mittal, and Sandeep Pathak. Chadha stated that the required documents have already been submitted to the Rajya Sabha Chairman, making the merger official under parliamentary rules.

Importantly, this shift does not violate India’s anti-defection law, which allows a merger if at least two-thirds of a party’s legislators agree to it. This legal provision protects the MPs from disqualification despite changing party affiliation.

Explaining his decision, Chadha said he had grown disillusioned with AAP, accusing the party of moving away from its original anti-corruption ideals. He stated that he had dedicated 15 years to building the party but now believes it has become “corrupt and compromised.” According to him, leaving the party was necessary to remain aligned with honest politics and public interest.

This political shift follows recent tensions between Chadha and the AAP leadership. Earlier, he was removed from his position as deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, and internal disagreements became increasingly public. AAP had also accused him of not supporting party strategies during parliamentary actions and raising insignificant issues in the House—claims Chadha strongly denied.

Reacting sharply, AAP leaders have called the move a betrayal. Senior leader Sanjay Singh criticized Chadha, saying the party gave him opportunities but he chose to side with BJP. Kejriwal also responded briefly, accusing BJP of “betraying the people of Punjab.”

After the exit of these MPs, AAP is left with only three members in the Rajya Sabha—Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, Sanjay Singh, and ND Gupta. The development weakens AAP’s position at the national level, especially ahead of upcoming political challenges.

Sources suggest that Chadha may be rewarded with a significant role in the central government after officially joining BJP, possibly even a ministerial position. However, there has been no official confirmation on this yet.

This move highlights growing political realignments in India, where internal party conflicts and strategic shifts continue to reshape the national political landscape.