Major Setback for AAP as Key Leaders Defect to BJP
In a surprising political shift, several key leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party, including Raghav Chadha, have defected to the BJP, claiming nearly two-thirds of the party's Rajya Sabha members are involved. This move has sparked strong reactions from AAP's Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who accuse the BJP of betrayal. AAP leaders vow that the people of Punjab will not forget this act of defection. The situation raises questions about the stability of the AAP government in Punjab and the ongoing political dynamics in the region.
Apr 24, 2026, 17:15 IST
Defection of AAP Leaders
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) faced a significant blow on Friday as several of its Rajya Sabha members, including Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, and Ashok Mittal, announced their departure from the party. Chadha revealed that nearly two-thirds of AAP's Rajya Sabha MPs have left and will be joining the BJP as a faction. In response, Arvind Kejriwal took to social media, accusing the BJP of betraying the people of Punjab. He stated that the BJP has once again deceived Punjabis.
Punjab's Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, echoed these sentiments, claiming that the BJP has committed treachery against Punjab. He remarked that the same tactics used by the BJP against the AAP were previously employed against parties like Sharad Pawar's and Shiv Sena (UBT).
Reactions from AAP Leaders
AAP leader Anurag Dhanda commented that the nation has witnessed the true character of these leaders, asserting that under Bhagwant Mann's leadership, AAP will regain power. He emphasized that the people of Punjab will respond decisively to this betrayal.
Sanjay Singh, another AAP leader, stated that the people of Punjab will not forgive the seven rebel MPs. He accused the BJP of obstructing the good work done by the AAP government led by Mann. Singh urged the public to remember the names of these seven defectors, asserting that they will never be forgotten.
Allegations of Political Manipulation
Singh further alleged that an 'Operation Lotus' is being executed against the Punjab government, utilizing agencies like the ED and CBI to undermine the AAP. He highlighted the government's initiatives, such as providing 300 units of free electricity, ensuring quality education for children, and filling dry canals with water.
Additionally, he mentioned that the government offers financial support to women from Dalit and tribal communities, providing ₹1,500 and ₹1,000 monthly to mothers and sisters, respectively. Despite these efforts, Singh accused the BJP, led by Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, of attempting to disrupt the functioning of the Mann government and betraying the people of Punjab.
Kejriwal's Strong Condemnation
Kejriwal expressed his dismay over the situation, stating that the BJP's actions against the AAP and the Punjab government are unacceptable. He emphasized that the people are aware of the ongoing political games and the detrimental impact on governance in Punjab.