Raghav Chadha Resigns from AAP, Joins BJP with Six Other MPs

In a significant political shift, Raghav Chadha, along with six other Rajya Sabha MPs, has resigned from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to merge with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This move, announced during a press conference, highlights internal conflicts within AAP and could reshape the political landscape in Parliament. Chadha emphasized the constitutional basis for their decision, asserting that their actions comply with legal requirements. The implications of this merger could strengthen the BJP's position in the Rajya Sabha, affecting legislative dynamics and opposition unity in upcoming elections.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 24, 2026, 16:52 IST

Raghav Chadha's Departure from AAP

File image of AAP MP Raghav Chadha(Photo: @MunsifWebDesk/X)

Guwahati, April 24: Raghav Chadha, a prominent Rajya Sabha MP, announced his resignation from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday, alongside six other members. He stated that a significant portion of the party's representation in the Upper House has decided to merge with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

During a press conference held in the national capital with fellow MP Sandeep Pathak, Chadha revealed that they have already submitted a formal request to Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan, along with the necessary documentation to initiate the merger process.

Chadha emphasized, “According to the Constitution, two-thirds of a party's MPs can merge with another party,” asserting that their actions comply with this requirement. He added, “We have provided a letter to Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan today, along with all required documents.”

The MPs involved in this merger include Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal, Harbhajan Singh, Rajendra Gupta, Vikram Sahni, and Swati Maliwal. Pathak and Mittal were present at the press conference, reinforcing the announcement's significance.

Chadha criticized the AAP leadership, citing serious internal conflicts as the catalyst for this mass resignation.

“I want to clarify the real reason for my withdrawal from party activities. I refused to be associated with their wrongdoings. I was not part of their crimes, hence I was not worthy of their friendship,” he stated.

He elaborated on the tough decision-making process, explaining that the group of MPs faced a critical choice.

“We had two options: either exit politics and abandon our public service over the last 15–16 years or engage in constructive politics using our experience and energy. Therefore, we, the two-thirds of AAP members in Rajya Sabha, have chosen to exercise our constitutional rights and merge with the BJP,” Chadha explained.

This announcement represents a significant setback for the AAP, led by Arvind Kejriwal, which has been striving to establish itself as a formidable national political entity. Such a substantial split in the Rajya Sabha could diminish the party's legislative power and alter political dynamics in Parliament.

As of now, the BJP has not released an official comment on this development, and AAP's response is still pending. This situation is likely to provoke strong political reactions, potentially affecting opposition unity and future electoral contests.

If finalized, this merger would enhance the BJP's strength in the Rajya Sabha, where legislative calculations are crucial for passing significant legislation.