In a major political upheaval, seven Rajya Sabha MPs from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have announced a merger with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The move, led by former deputy leader Raghav Chadha, has triggered a fierce legal and political battle over the validity of the merger and the future of the lawmakers’ seats in the Upper House.
The Merger and the ‘Two-Thirds’ Claim
On Friday, Raghav Chadha, alongside Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal, formally joined the BJP after a press conference and a meeting with BJP national president Nitin Nabin at the party’s headquarters in New Delhi.
Chadha asserted that the move involves seven MPs—including himself, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal, Harbhajan Singh, Swati Maliwal, Vikramjit Singh Sahney, and Rajinder Gupta. He claimed that as these seven represent more than two-thirds of AAP’s 10 Rajya Sabha MPs, the group is exercising constitutional provisions to merge with the BJP and avoid disqualification under the anti-defection law.
AAP’s Legal Challenge and Internal Friction
The Aam Aadmi Party has swiftly condemned the move, with leader Sanjay Singh describing the merger as “unconstitutional” and “illegal.” Singh stated that the party will approach Vice President and Rajya Sabha chairman CP Radhakrishnan to seek the disqualification of the seven MPs.
AAP argues that the anti-defection law and the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution do not recognize splits or factions in the Rajya Sabha, regardless of the numerical strength of the breakaway group. This legal view was echoed by Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal, who noted that a merger is only permitted if the party as a whole decides to merge and passes a resolution.
Internal critics within AAP have similarly surfaced. Lok Sabha MP Malwinder Singh Kang urged the party to improve coordination with lawmakers, citing that Sandeep Pathak had reportedly not been contacted by the party for a year prior to his exit.
Motivations and Allegations
The departing MPs cited a range of grievances for their exit. Raghav Chadha claimed the AAP has fallen into “corrupt and compromised hands” and that there is no longer room for honest, hardworking leaders in the party.
Swati Maliwal alleged that AAP’s opposition to the women’s reservation bill was a breaking point for her. She further accused Arvind Kejriwal of being “anti-women,” alleging she was subjected to harassment and pressure, and was even beaten by a goon in her own home.
Vikramjit Singh Sahney pointed to a crisis in Punjab as a primary driver, citing a debt of 4,50,000 crore, an agrarian crisis, dropping groundwater levels, and a lack of jobs in the state.
The ‘Sheesh Mahal 2’ Controversy
Following the merger, the BJP and Raghav Chadha launched attacks on Arvind Kejriwal regarding a supposed lavish new residence termed “Sheesh Mahal 2” at Lodhi Estate. Delhi minister Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma accused Kejriwal of being habituated to living lavishly.
AAP has vehemently denied these claims. National spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar and leader Atishi stated that the pictures shared by the BJP were “fake” and had been downloaded from Pinterest in an attempt to defame Kejriwal.
Public and Political Backlash
The defection has sparked widespread reactions across the political spectrum. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh remarked that the “BJP washing machine is back,” whereas Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut compared the BJP to the mythological demon Bakasur with an “insatiable hunger.”
In Punjab, the reaction has been more visceral. AAP workers have been seen protesting outside the residences of Rajinder Gupta and Harbhajan Singh, and graffiti reading “Gaddar” (traitor) has appeared on the walls of the MPs’ homes and the Phagwara campus of Lovely Professional University, owned by Ashok Mittal.
What May Happen Next
The immediate future of the seven MPs depends on the decision of Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan. He will examine whether the merger meets the conditions of the Tenth Schedule; this probe could either result in the MPs retaining their seats or facing disqualification.
the exodus may lead to increased political instability for the AAP government in Punjab. As opposition leaders like SAD’s Bikram Singh Majithia suggest, the move could heighten pressure on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to address state-specific issues such as farmers’ rights and the plight of “bandi Singhs.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the seven AAP MPs who merged with the BJP?
The seven MPs are Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal, Harbhajan Singh, Swati Maliwal, Vikramjit Singh Sahney, and Rajinder Gupta.
Why is AAP seeking the disqualification of these MPs?
AAP argues that the move is unconstitutional and illegal under the anti-defection law, claiming that the Tenth Schedule does not recognize splits or factions in the Rajya Sabha, even if a two-thirds majority is reached.
What is the ‘Sheesh Mahal 2’ allegation?
The BJP and Raghav Chadha alleged that Arvind Kejriwal has prepared a lavish new residence called “Sheesh Mahal 2” at Lodhi Estate. AAP has denied this, claiming the evidence photos were fake images from Pinterest.
Do you believe the ‘two-thirds’ rule should protect lawmakers who merge with another party, or should it be viewed as a violation of the voters’ mandate?
