Seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs, including Raghav Chadha, defect to BJP
Raghav Chadha among 7 AAP MPs shifting to BJP in RS shake-up
Business Standard
Image: Business Standard
In a significant political shift, seven Rajya Sabha MPs from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), including Raghav Chadha, have resigned to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This move, which represents over two-thirds of AAP's strength in the Upper House, is seen as a strategic realignment that could bolster the BJP's position in the Rajya Sabha.
- 01Seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs, including Raghav Chadha, have defected to the BJP.
- 02The defectors represent more than two-thirds of AAP's strength in the Upper House.
- 03The group has filed for a merger under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.
- 04Chadha cited ideological differences with AAP as a reason for leaving.
- 05Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP of poaching AAP leaders amid internal party tensions.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
In a notable political shift, seven Rajya Sabha MPs from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), including Raghav Chadha, have announced their departure to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This group, which also includes Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Kumar Mittal, Harbhajan Singh, Rajendra Gupta, Vikramjit Singh Sahney, and Swati Maliwal, constitutes over two-thirds of AAP's representation in the Upper House. They have submitted documentation to the Rajya Sabha Chairman to seek recognition for a merger under the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which would allow them to transition to the BJP without facing disqualification. Chadha expressed that the decision stemmed from ideological differences, claiming that AAP has strayed from its foundational principles and that he had distanced himself from party activities over the past year. The group has also engaged with senior BJP leaders in New Delhi, indicating a formal alignment that could enhance the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance's standing in the Rajya Sabha. In response, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP of poaching party leaders, while MP Sanjay Singh stated that AAP would pursue disqualification of the defecting members if the merger is not approved.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
This political shift could influence legislative decisions and governance in India, affecting policies that impact citizens.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you think about the recent defection of AAP MPs to the BJP?
Connecting to poll...
More about Aam Aadmi Party
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.




