New Delhi: A fresh political storm erupted on Friday after a major split within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the Rajya Sabha, prompting party chief Arvind Kejriwal to launch a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Reacting to the defection of senior leader Raghav Chadha and several Members of Parliament, Kejriwal accused the BJP of “once again betraying Punjabis,” calling the development a serious blow to democratic values.
The controversy follows Chadha’s resignation from AAP and his decision to join the BJP along with at least six other Rajya Sabha MPs, marking one of the biggest internal crises the party has faced in recent years. The move significantly weakens AAP’s strength in the Upper House and raises questions about the party’s political future, particularly in Punjab where it has maintained a strong base.
Kejriwal alleged that the BJP was attempting to undermine the mandate of the people of Punjab by engineering defections. He framed the episode as part of a broader pattern, accusing the ruling party at the Centre of interfering in regional political dynamics. His remarks signal an intensifying war of narratives between the two parties ahead of upcoming political battles.
The split comes amid reports of growing tensions within AAP. Chadha had recently been removed from his post as deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, which reportedly triggered internal disagreements. Sources suggest that differences over leadership style, political strategy, and handling of key issues contributed to the fallout.
Chadha, once considered a close aide of Kejriwal, defended his decision by indicating dissatisfaction with the party’s direction and leadership. The mass exit has exposed factional divides within AAP and could reshape its national ambitions.
Political analysts view the development as a significant gain for the BJP, which continues to expand its influence by attracting leaders from rival parties. At the same time, the episode underscores persistent instability within AAP, which has witnessed several high-profile exits since its formation.
As the political confrontation deepens, the fallout from this Rajya Sabha split is expected to have far-reaching implications, not only for AAP’s organisational structure but also for the broader opposition landscape in India.
