New Delhi: In a dramatic political development, AAP leader Raghav Chadha has announced his decision to join the BJP, triggering what could be one of the biggest setbacks for Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party in recent years.

Addressing a press conference, Chadha said that nearly two-thirds of AAP’s 10 Rajya Sabha MPs are set to merge with the BJP—an action that could bypass disqualification under India’s anti-defection law. He confirmed that the formal communication has already been sent to the Rajya Sabha Chairman.

‘AAP Has Lost Its Core Values’

Explaining his decision, the 37-year-old leader launched a sharp attack on his former party.

“I gave 15 years of my life to AAP. But the party has now drifted away from honest politics. I find myself as the right person in the wrong party,” he said.

Chadha alleged that the party, which rose to power on an anti-corruption platform, is now “corrupt and compromised.” He added that he had only two choices—either quit politics or “do the right thing”—and chose the latter.

Key Leaders Set to Switch

Chadha claimed that several prominent leaders are joining him in the move, including:
• Harbhajan Singh
• Swati Maliwal
• Rajinder Gupta
• Vikram Sahney
• Ashok Mittal
• Sandeep Pathak

With these exits, only a handful of AAP MPs are expected to remain in the Upper House.

AAP Hits Back

The AAP swiftly retaliated, calling the move a betrayal. Senior leader Sanjay Singh accused Chadha of turning his back on the party that elevated him.

“AAP made him an MP, and he has chosen to sit in BJP’s lap,” Singh said, warning that the people of Punjab would not forget the leaders switching sides.

Kejriwal also reacted briefly, accusing the BJP of “betraying the Punjabis.”

The party has indicated it will seek disqualification of Chadha and other defecting MPs.

Tensions Had Been Brewing

Chadha’s exit follows weeks of visible friction within the party. Earlier this month, he was removed as AAP’s deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, a move widely seen as a sign of internal discord. The party had also restricted his participation in parliamentary debates.

Responding at the time, Chadha described the actions as a “coordinated campaign” against him and denied allegations of political disengagement.

Meanwhile, AAP had accused him of skipping opposition protests and avoiding key political positions—claims he strongly rejected.

A Turning Point for AAP

Chadha, a founding member of AAP since 2012 and once considered a close aide of Kejriwal, played a key role in the party’s rise in Delhi and Punjab. His exit, along with a possible group defection, could significantly alter the party’s strength in Parliament.

Sources suggest that Chadha may be inducted into the Union Cabinet after joining the BJP, though there has been no official confirmation.