In a major political development, Raghav Chadha on Friday announced his resignation from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and declared that he would be joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The move comes days after a public fallout within the party, following his removal as deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Chadha revealed that he was not alone in his decision. He stated that two-thirds of AAP’s Rajya Sabha members have decided to invoke constitutional provisions to merge with the BJP. Among those expected to follow him are fellow MPs Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal, who also confirmed their exit from AAP.
Chadha further indicated that several other prominent leaders, including Swati Maliwal and former cricketer-turned-politician Harbhajan Singh, are likely to join the BJP as well. If the merger goes through, AAP’s strength in the Rajya Sabha would shrink significantly, leaving only three members, Sanjay Singh, N. D. Gupta, and Balbir Singh Seechewal, in the Upper House.
Explaining his decision, Chadha said the party he had served for 15 years had strayed from its founding ideals. He remarked that AAP no longer functioned in the interest of the nation but was driven by personal motives. “I felt I was the right person in the wrong party,” he said, adding that he was now choosing to align himself more closely with public sentiment.
Chadha also praised the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing decisive governance, strong action against terrorism, and India’s improved global standing as key reasons behind his shift. He expressed his willingness to work under Modi’s leadership and alongside senior BJP leaders, including Amit Shah.
Sources indicate that Chadha and other departing MPs are expected to formally join the BJP soon in the presence of party leadership. The development marks one of the most significant internal ruptures in AAP in recent years, raising serious questions about the party’s stability and future direction ahead of upcoming political battles.
