In a dramatic development in India’s political landscape, seven Rajya Sabha MPs from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), including senior leaders Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal, and Sandeep Pathak, have officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
High-Profile Inductions at BJP Headquarters
The joining ceremony took place at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi in the presence of party leader Nitin Nabin. The event was marked by a formal स्वागत ceremony where the new members were welcomed into the party.
Apart from the MPs, several prominent figures including former cricketer Harbhajan Singh, Swati Maliwal, Rajinder Gupta, and Vikram Sahney also left AAP and joined the BJP.
Claim of ‘Constitutional Merger’
Addressing the media, Raghav Chadha stated that the move qualifies as a “constitutional merger.” He explained that under constitutional provisions, if two-thirds of a party’s MPs join another party, it is considered legally valid.
The MPs have reportedly submitted the required documents to C. P. Radhakrishnan, Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, to formalize the process.
Setback for AAP Leadership
This mass defection comes just weeks after internal reshuffling within AAP, where Chadha was removed as deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha and replaced by Ashok Mittal. The fact that both leaders have now exited the party together has intensified the crisis for AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal.
AAP’s Strength in Rajya Sabha Severely Reduced
The defection has significantly weakened AAP’s presence in the Rajya Sabha. From having 10 MPs earlier, the party is now left with just 3 members in the Upper House after seven MPs switched sides.
Impact on National Politics
Political analysts believe this major shift could alter parliamentary dynamics and voting equations in the coming sessions. It also raises serious questions about AAP’s internal cohesion and ideological direction.
The development marks a crucial turning point for AAP, a party that emerged from an anti-corruption movement, and has now entered a phase of internal fragmentation and political realignment at the national level.