In a significant political development, a major split has emerged within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has reportedly decided to leave the party and is expected to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) along with fellow MPs Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal.
Three AAP MPs Set to Switch Sides
Sources indicate that the three Rajya Sabha MPs are set to formally join the BJP camp soon. The move is being seen as a major setback for AAP, especially amid ongoing internal tensions within the party.
Chadha Criticizes AAP’s Ideology
Speaking on his decision, Chadha alleged that AAP has strayed from its founding principles. “The party was formed to eliminate corruption, but today it is working for personal gains rather than the welfare of the country,” he said.
He further claimed that nearly two-thirds of AAP’s MPs are considering joining the BJP, hinting at a larger exodus in the coming days.
‘I Was a Founding Member’
Highlighting his long association with the party, Chadha said he had invested immense effort and dedication in building AAP. “I was among the founding members. No one understands the party better than me. However, it is no longer aligned with its original ideology,” he stated.
He also revealed that he had distanced himself from the party for over a year, adding that he did not want to remain part of what he described as a “tainted system.”
Security Withdrawal and Internal Discord
The development comes shortly after the Punjab government withdrew Chadha’s ‘Z+’ category security cover. The decision had sparked speculation about growing differences between him and the party leadership.
Subsequently, he was provided central security protection, further fueling political debate over his shifting alignments.
Removed from Key Party Role
Earlier this month, Chadha was removed from the post of deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha. Senior AAP leaders, including Saurabh Bharadwaj, had accused him of not taking an aggressive stance against the central government during a time when party chief Arvind Kejriwal and other top leaders were facing legal challenges.
Public Rift Now Visible
With disciplinary actions and political statements coming to the forefront, the rift between Chadha and the AAP leadership has now become public. While the party questioned his silence on key issues, the Centre’s move to provide him security has added another dimension to the unfolding political drama.
The situation signals a turbulent phase for AAP, with potential implications for its national political standing in the coming months.