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New Delhi, April 24:
In a significant political development, Raghav Chadha has officially announced his decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party, triggering a major split within the Aam Aadmi Party. The move is being seen as a substantial blow to AAP leadership, particularly party chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Addressing a press conference, Chadha stated that a large section of AAP’s presence in the Rajya Sabha, reportedly around two-thirds of its 10 MPs, will merge with the BJP. He confirmed that the necessary documents have been signed and submitted to the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, formalizing the transition.
Among those expected to join him are Harbhajan Singh and Swati Maliwal, along with Rajinder Gupta, Vikram Sahney, Ashok Mittal, and Sandeep Pathak. The development indicates one of the largest parliamentary shifts involving AAP since its formation.
Explaining his decision, Chadha delivered a sharp critique of his former party, alleging that AAP has strayed from its founding principles. He stated that the party, once built on anti-corruption and transparency, has become “corrupt and compromised.” Calling himself “the right man in the wrong party,” he said his move reflects a desire to reconnect with public expectations and governance priorities.
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| Picture from the press conference. |
Sources suggest that Chadha’s entry into the BJP could be followed by a significant role at the national level, with speculation about a possible ministerial position gaining traction.
Chadha, a founding member of AAP since 2012, rose to prominence as a close aide to Kejriwal and played a key role in the party’s rise to power in Delhi in 2015. His departure marks a turning point for the party’s national ambitions and internal cohesion.
The BJP has not yet released a detailed statement on the development, but party insiders have welcomed the move, describing it as an endorsement of the BJP’s leadership and governance model.
The defection is expected to reshape the balance within the Rajya Sabha and intensify political contestation ahead of upcoming elections. For AAP, the loss of senior leadership and MPs may pose immediate organizational and strategic challenges.
