AAP MP Criticizes Defectors to BJP Amid ED Raids on Lovely Group
‘Switched sides to save businesses': AAP MP's ED dig at Lovely Group's Ashok Mittal after BJP switch
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Malvinder Singh Kang, an Aam Aadmi Party MP from Anandpur Sahib, Punjab, criticized seven Rajya Sabha MPs who defected to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing them of betrayal for personal interests. His remarks come in the wake of Enforcement Directorate raids on Lovely Professional University, linked to former AAP leader Ashok Kumar Mittal, who recently joined the BJP.
- 01Malvinder Singh Kang accused seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs of betraying the party by defecting to the BJP.
- 02Kang suggested that some defectors were motivated by fear of central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate.
- 03The ED conducted raids on Lovely Professional University as part of a probe into potential money laundering.
- 04Ashok Kumar Mittal, linked to these raids, recently switched to the BJP shortly after his appointment as AAP's deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha.
- 05The AAP's strength in the Rajya Sabha has now been reduced to three members following these defections.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Malvinder Singh Kang, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP from Anandpur Sahib, Punjab, publicly condemned seven Rajya Sabha MPs who defected to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing them of betrayal and prioritizing personal interests over party loyalty. He implied that some defectors were fearful of investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which recently conducted raids at Lovely Professional University (LPU) linked to its founder and former AAP leader Ashok Kumar Mittal. The ED's investigation, initiated on April 15, focused on potential violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and money laundering activities. Mittal joined the BJP shortly after the raids, along with five other AAP MPs, which has now reduced the party's representation in the Rajya Sabha to three members. Kang also criticized the party's former deputy leader Raghav Chadha, suggesting that his significant influence had negatively impacted the party's decisions. Despite the turmoil, Kang expressed confidence in the AAP government in Punjab, stating that it remains stable and committed to serving the people.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The defections could weaken AAP's influence in Punjab and affect its governance, while the ED investigation may impact the operations of Lovely Professional University.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you think political defections are justified for personal safety?
Connecting to poll...
More about Aam Aadmi Party
AAP MP Sanjay Singh Demands Inquiry Over Alleged Changes in Rajya Sabha Records
The Economic Times • Apr 27, 2026
Congress Leader Criticizes AAP's Shift to Wealthy Leadership Amid Rajya Sabha Defections
Hindustan Times • Apr 27, 2026
India and New Zealand Sign Free Trade Agreement; AAP MPs Join BJP
The Hindu • Apr 27, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.