Political Shake-Up: Seven AAP MPs Join BJP Amid Allegations of Corruption

Political Turmoil in New Delhi

New Delhi: Following the defection of seven AAP MPs to the BJP, Congress has criticized the ruling party, claiming that the 'BJP washing machine' is operational again, aided by 'Modi washing powder.'

Congress leaders have long accused the BJP of welcoming politicians from other parties who are embroiled in legal troubles, only to delay any action against them.

Among the defectors, Ashok Mittal had recently been subjected to raids by the Enforcement Directorate.

Jairam Ramesh, the AICC general secretary responsible for communications, expressed on social media that those who once claimed to uphold integrity and principles are now exposed.

The Aam Aadmi Party faced a significant setback on Friday when seven of its Rajya Sabha members, including Raghav Chadha, Mittal, Sandeep Pathak, Harbhajan Singh, Rajendra Gupta, Vikram Sahni, and Swati Maliwal, announced their departure to join the BJP. They accused the party led by Arvind Kejriwal of abandoning its foundational values.

While Chadha and Maliwal had already fallen out of favor within AAP, the departure of the other five MPs surprised many observers.

The announcement was made during a hastily arranged press conference, where AAP leader Kejriwal accused the BJP of betraying the people of Punjab, and state Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann labeled the seven MPs as 'gaddar' (traitors).