Raghav Chadha's Bold Move: Why He Left AAP for BJP

Raghav Chadha, a Rajya Sabha member, has publicly detailed his reasons for leaving the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In a candid video, he described AAP as having become 'toxic' and expressed his belief that aligning with the BJP would allow him to more effectively champion the causes he supports. Chadha's departure, alongside six other MPs, marks a significant political shift, and he reassured his followers that his commitment to addressing citizens' issues remains unchanged. This move has sparked discussions about the evolving dynamics within political parties in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 27, 2026, 11:25 IST

Raghav Chadha Explains His Departure from AAP

New Delhi: Raghav Chadha, a member of the Rajya Sabha, took to social media on Monday to clarify his reasons for leaving the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). He described the party as having become 'toxic' and expressed that joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would enable him to better advocate for the causes he believes in.

In a video posted on Instagram, a platform favored by younger audiences, Chadha noted a significant drop of around two million followers, which many perceive as a backlash from the youth.

This announcement follows a significant political shift last week when Chadha, along with six other Rajya Sabha MPs—Swati Maliwal, Harbhajan Singh, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal, Rajinder Gupta, and Vikram Sahni—declared their decision to merge with the BJP.

In his video, Chadha expressed gratitude to his supporters and aimed to clarify his departure from AAP.

"Many of you are curious about my reasons for this decision. Before entering politics, I was a Chartered Accountant. I left that career to help establish a party, dedicating 15 years of my life to it—years filled with hard work and commitment," he stated.

However, he noted that the party has undergone significant changes. "Today, this party is not what it used to be; it has developed a toxic work culture," he remarked.

"You find yourself unable to perform your duties; your voice is stifled in Parliament. The party has fallen under the influence of a few individuals who are corrupt and self-serving, no longer prioritizing the nation's interests," Chadha added.

Reflecting on his internal struggles over the years, he admitted feeling like he was 'the right person in the wrong party.'

"I was left with three choices: to exit politics entirely, to stay and try to fix the party—which proved impossible—or to redirect my efforts into positive politics by joining another party and engaging in constructive work," he explained.

"This decision was not made in isolation; it involved seven MPs collectively deciding to part ways with the party," he emphasized.

Chadha defended the group's decision against criticism, stating, "One person might be mistaken; two might be wrong, but seven cannot all be incorrect. What about the many others—intelligent individuals who once believed in this party's vision and have since departed? Could they all be wrong?"

He likened the situation to a toxic workplace, asking, "If your work environment becomes detrimental, how can you be productive? If your efforts are stifled and your voice silenced, the logical choice is to leave. That is precisely what we did."

Chadha reassured the public that his political focus would remain steadfast.

"Many have asked if I will continue to advocate for your issues—the everyday challenges faced by citizens. I assure you that I will persist in raising these concerns with renewed vigor and passion. Now, we will also be able to implement solutions effectively," he concluded.