What Does the AAP's Recent Defection Mean for Its Future in Indian Politics?

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is grappling with a major setback as seven of its Rajya Sabha members have defected to the BJP, raising concerns about the party's internal unity. Founded in 2012 from an anti-corruption movement, AAP quickly became a significant political force in Delhi and Punjab. However, the recent departures, which constitute nearly two-thirds of its Rajya Sabha strength, pose a challenge as the party prepares for upcoming elections in Gujarat, Goa, and Punjab in 2027. AAP leaders are striving to maintain confidence in their grassroots connections and governance despite these challenges. This article explores the implications of these defections for AAP's future in Indian politics.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 24, 2026, 20:03 IST

A Major Setback for AAP

New Delhi: Fourteen years after its inception from the anti-corruption movement, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is encountering a significant challenge as seven of its Rajya Sabha members have departed in an unusual, coordinated exit on Friday.

Founded in the winter of November 2012 amidst public protests against corruption, AAP quickly established itself as a powerful political entity, achieving consecutive victories in Delhi in 2013, 2015, and 2020, and later extending its influence into Punjab.

Initially supported by activists, professionals, and newcomers to politics, the party has seen many of its early supporters leave, citing disagreements over leadership and strategic direction.

The recent departure of the majority of AAP's Rajya Sabha MPs, who have joined the BJP, marks a significant blow to the party.

This defection, which represents nearly two-thirds of AAP's strength in the Rajya Sabha, raises concerns about the internal unity of a party that once emphasized collective leadership and a decentralized structure.

The group of defectors included prominent figures such as Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, and Ashok Mittal, along with cricketer-turned-politician Harbhajan Singh, Swati Maliwal, Rajinder Gupta, and Vikram Sahney.

By acting as a bloc, these members have strategically met the two-thirds requirement under the anti-defection law, allowing them to merge with the BJP while retaining their seats.

The timing of this defection is critical for AAP, as it prepares for upcoming elections in Gujarat, Goa, and Punjab in 2027, aiming to strengthen and broaden its influence beyond its stronghold in Delhi.

Despite the departures, AAP leaders are attempting to project a sense of confidence, asserting that the party's grassroots connections and governance principles remain strong.

Currently, AAP holds 22 seats in the Delhi legislative assembly after losing power to the BJP in 2025, while in Punjab, it commands 92 seats.

In 2022, AAP made its debut in the Gujarat legislative assembly with five MLAs, and in 2024, it secured its first MLA in Jammu and Kashmir.

In Parliament, AAP has six MPs, split evenly between the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, with three Lok Sabha and one Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab, and the remaining two Rajya Sabha MPs from Delhi.

However, the recent exits have diminished the party's representation in Parliament.

Led by Arvind Kejriwal, AAP is now reassessing its strategy ahead of the forthcoming elections, facing the dual challenge of electoral calculations and maintaining the spirit and membership that fueled its rise.