Political Turmoil Hits AAP as Raghav Chadha and MPs Defect to BJP
A Historic Crisis for AAP
Friday marked a significant turning point in the history of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), as Raghav Chadha, once referred to as Arvind Kejriwal's 'Hanuman', departed the party along with six other Rajya Sabha MPs to join the BJP. This event is not merely a case of defection; it represents the explosive culmination of a power struggle, distrust, and legal pressures that have been brewing within AAP for months. This move has laid bare the deep fractures within the party, signaling a decisive shift in the ongoing tensions.
The Roots of the Crisis
The origins of this crisis can be traced back to 2024, when Swati Maliwal, another Rajya Sabha MP, accused a close aide of Kejriwal of physical misconduct at the Chief Minister's residence on May 13. This incident triggered a chain reaction that gradually widened the rifts within AAP, ultimately leading to a public split that threatens the party's political prospects in key states.
The Escalation of Tensions
Following Maliwal's allegations, the situation within the party became increasingly tense, revealing the growing divide among its members. This month, the party deepened its internal conflicts by removing Chadha from his position as deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha. Even before his formal exit, there were strong indications that several MPs were considering leaving the party.
Chadha's Departure and ED Raids
During a press conference on Friday, Chadha confirmed the departure of the seven MPs. His resignation came shortly after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on Ashok Mittal's properties, including the Lovely Professional University in Punjab, related to a case under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). AAP leader Sanjay Singh accused the MPs' mass resignation of being part of the BJP's 'Operation Lotus', claiming they were pressured into resigning due to fears of actions from central agencies like the ED and CBI.
Raghav Chadha's Journey in AAP
Chadha, once seen as a close ally of Kejriwal, quickly rose through the ranks of AAP and was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Punjab in 2022. His influence surged following AAP's victory in the Punjab Assembly elections, positioning him as one of the state's most powerful leaders after Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. However, his standing plummeted after Kejriwal's arrest in connection with the excise policy case in 2024, leading to questions about his absence during critical moments and his silence on political issues.
The Immediate Cause of the Crisis
The immediate trigger for this crisis was Chadha's removal from his role as AAP's deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha earlier this month. He had warned that he would respond at the right time, likening himself to a river that could become a flood. The simultaneous departure of several MPs seemed to validate his warning, delivering a significant blow to the party just before the upcoming assembly elections in Punjab, Gujarat, and Goa.
Concerns Raised by Maliwal
In a detailed statement, Swati Maliwal cited her decision to leave the party as stemming from concerns over rampant corruption, alleged harassment of women, and the promotion of elements engaging in 'goondaism' under Kejriwal's leadership. Apart from Maliwal, who represents Delhi in the Rajya Sabha, all other resigning MPs were elected from Punjab.