Seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs, led by Raghav Chadha, resigned and announced a merger with the BJP, pointing to ideological convergence and frustration with AAP’s current direction. Analysts say it fits a repeating pattern: legislators from smaller parties aligning with the BJP after breakpoints emerge within their original ranks.
Raghav Chadha announced that two-thirds of Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MPs will merge with the Bharatiya Janata Party, announcing seven members in a press conference. The move comes amid a history of internal turbulence in AAP since 2012, with multiple high-profile leaders including Shazia Ilmi and Kumar Vishwas previously distancing themselves over ideological differences and disputes.
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A Delhi court acquitted former AAP MLA Somnath Bharti in the 2014 assault case involving women from African countries. The court held that witness statements were inadmissible and the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond doubt. Bharti, then Delhi law minister, had claimed the women were involved in illegal activities.
Seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs who quit the party on Friday have officially joined the BJP. The defection includes Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal, Sandeep Pathak, Harbhajan Singh, Vikram Sahney, Swati Maliwal and Rajendra Gupta. BJP welcomed them at its Delhi headquarters with flowers and sweets, underscoring the political shift ahead of the next phase of campaigning and parliamentary battles.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann sparked a fresh political firestorm after reports of seven AAP MPs jumping ship to the BJP. Mann accused the BJP of breaking the AAP and called the defections a betrayal of the people of the state, branding BJP leaders as “kadde, wadde and chadde” who have been expelled, divided, or left out.
Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha announced he is leaving the Aam Aadmi Party and merging with the Bharatiya Janata Party, a switch involving seven MPs. By moving as a merged group, the proposal aims to avoid anti-defection disqualification rules. The decision reshapes AAP’s Rajya Sabha numbers, especially from Punjab, leaving only three MPs with the party.
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Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has resigned from the Aam Aadmi Party, alleging the party has deviated from its principles and shifted toward personal interests. He announced his exit alongside MPs Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal, signaling they are set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party. The move adds to political turmoil within AAP and reshapes the opposition landscape.
Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has quit the AAP along with seven MPs and announced they are joining the BJP, claiming they now hold a decisive 2/3rd majority. Chadha said he is the “right person in wrong party,” setting off fresh questions about internal fractures within AAP and the next political alignment in Parliament.
AAP Punjab has accused the BJP of trying to break the party, alleging the BJP is using former leader Raghav Chadha to weaken its parliamentary presence. The BJP dismissed the charge as baseless, while AAP further claimed Union Home Minister Amit Shah is pressuring MPs through Chadha. The dispute could escalate as both sides trade allegations.
In a major political shake-up, seven MPs have resigned from Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. The reported defectors include Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal, Sandeep Pathak, Harbhajan Singh, Vikram Sahney, and Swati Maliwal among others. The move is expected to intensify pressure on AAP ahead of upcoming political battles.
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Arvind Kejriwal has shifted to a Type-VII government bungalow at 95, Lodhi Estate. The Centre provided the accommodation after court directions, citing his position as AAP’s national convenor. The move marks a new residence for the AAP supremo and former Delhi chief minister amid ongoing legal and administrative decisions over government housing.
Raghav Chadha and six AAP Rajya Sabha MPs have joined the BJP, a major shake-up for Arvind Kejriwal’s party. The exit follows rising internal friction and accusations that Chadha was being sidelined. Observers point to his relative silence on key leadership questions and a recent Rajya Sabha leadership change that intensified tensions.
The AAP-BJP standoff escalated after reports that Raghav Chadha and six other AAP MPs resigned to join BJP. AAP leader Sanjay Singh said the move proves “Operation Lotus,” calling the defectors “traitors.” In response, AAP accused BJP of trying to destabilize the Punjab government, turning resignations into a direct political blame game.
The Aam Aadmi Party has accused the BJP of running “Operation Lotus” after seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs, including Raghav Chadha, defected to the saffron party. AAP leader Sanjay Singh claimed the move was orchestrated by BJP. Chadha said the MPs chose “positive politics,” distancing from alleged party “crimes” and invoking constitutional provisions to merge.
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The Delhi High Court has scheduled a hearing on May 12 for the bail plea of former AAP MLA Naresh Balyan. The matter returned to the court after a judge recused earlier this week, prompting a fresh listing for arguments. Balyan is an accused in a case invoking the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).
A Delhi High Court judge has withdrawn from a PIL alleging that audio and video clips of court proceedings were recorded and circulated. The petition targets Aam Aadmi Party leaders and others, claiming the clips were shared after Arvind Kejriwal sought recusal in the excise policy case, raising fresh questions over the handling of sensitive proceedings.
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