The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has been struck by a major internal crisis as Raghav Chadha, once considered a rising star and a close confidant of Arvind Kejriwal, led a significant exodus of Rajya Sabha members to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday.
This political shift saw Chadha and six other Rajya Sabha MPs merge their faction with the BJP. The move represents a near-decimation of the party’s presence in the Upper House, as seven out of AAP’s 10 Rajya Sabha members have defected.
The Faces of the Rebellion
The group joining the BJP includes high-profile figures such as cricketer-turned-MP Harbhajan Singh, Sandeep Pathak, Rajinder Gupta and Vikramjit Singh Sahney. Notably, Ashok Mittal, who had recently replaced Chadha as the party’s deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, also joined the revolt.
Adding to the party’s losses, MP Swati Maliwal confirmed her departure from AAP. Maliwal, who had previously alleged she was physically assaulted by Bibhav Kumar at Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence in 2024, cited corruption, harassment, and the promotion of goons as reasons for her exit.
A Question of Principles
During a press conference at the Constitution Club, Raghav Chadha delivered a stinging critique of his former party. He claimed that AAP had deviated from its founding principles, values, and core morals over the 15 years he dedicated to the organization.
Chadha described himself as the “right man in the wrong party,” alleging that the outfit now prioritizes personal benefits over the national interest. He stated that this decision allows him to distance himself from the party and move closer to the public.
From Meteoric Rise to Political Slide
The current crisis follows a period of significant decline for the party. After dominating Delhi with historic mandates in 2015 and 2020, the BJP reclaimed the capital in 2025, reducing AAP to 22 seats and appointing Rekha Gupta as chief minister.
The party’s image has also been strained by legal scrutiny. Top leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, and Satyendra Jain, have faced investigations and jail terms involving the ED, and CBI.
With the revised Rajya Sabha tally and only three seats secured in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Punjab, AAP is now left with a total of six MPs to voice its concerns in Parliament.
The Battle for Punjab
The fallout has triggered a fierce war of words. Rajya Sabha leader Sanjay Singh accused the BJP of launching “Operation Lotus” to destabilize the Bhagwant Mann government in Punjab, labeling the defectors as “traitors.”
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann echoed these sentiments, dismissing the prospects of the departing leaders within the BJP and accusing the party of attempting to expand its footprint in Punjab through defections.
As the political landscape shifts, the contest in Punjab may intensify. With the BJP now bolstered by former AAP faces and Congress remaining the principal opposition, the state could become the next major battleground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the primary leaders that left AAP for the BJP?
The exodus was led by Raghav Chadha and included six other Rajya Sabha MPs, such as Ashok Mittal, Sandeep Pathak, Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta, and Vikramjit Singh Sahney.
Why did Raghav Chadha decide to quit the Aam Aadmi Party?
Chadha stated that the party had deviated from its founding principles and values, claiming it now works for personal benefits rather than the national interest, leading him to conclude he was the “right man in the wrong party.”
How has this affected AAP’s strength in Parliament?
The loss of seven Rajya Sabha MPs has severely weakened AAP’s presence in the Upper House. Combined with their 2024 Lok Sabha results in Punjab, the party is left with a total of six MPs in Parliament.
Do you think internal rebellions are a natural phase for parties that rise quickly through disruptive politics?
