Raghav Chadha, the former deputy leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the Rajya Sabha, defected to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) along with six colleagues, raising alarms within AAP about potential further defections among its legislators in Delhi. Currently, AAP holds 22 seats in the Delhi Assembly, a significant drop from its peak of 67 seats in the 2015 elections. The party's strength has decreased from 62 seats in the 2020 elections, and losing seven more MLAs could leave AAP with only 15 MLAs. Concerns are heightened as party insiders speculate that up to seven legislators may consider switching sides, which could further weaken AAP's position. The BJP appears to be strategizing to utilize former AAP leaders in Punjab ahead of the 2027 elections, potentially undermining the Bhagwant Mann government. Chadha's defection follows his removal as deputy leader, and he has previously accused the BJP of orchestrating 'Operation Lotus' to destabilize AAP by enticing its leaders with offers of money and threats of legal action. Allegations of BJP's attempts to lure AAP legislators have been persistent, with claims of substantial bribes being offered to those considering a switch.