Raghav Chadha Leaves AAP for BJP, Signaling a Shift in Political Dynamics

Raghav Chadha's Departure from AAP

The alliance that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had nurtured for 15 years appeared to be nearing a bitter conclusion on Friday, as Raghav Chadha, once a prominent figure for the party, decided to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This move not only reflects Chadha's personal ambitions but also threatens to diminish AAP's influence in the Rajya Sabha significantly. Amid claims of seven MPs switching sides, the specter of past controversies regarding signatures has resurfaced.

Chadha announced that he, along with fellow Rajya Sabha members Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal, would be leaving AAP to join BJP. He also mentioned that four other MPs—Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta, Vikram Sahni, and Swati Maliwal—are expected to follow suit.

While Chadha had indicated that seven MPs would join BJP, only Pathak and Mittal have been seen alongside him so far. The remaining four were absent from both the press conference and the BJP induction ceremony. However, Sahni later confirmed his departure from AAP and joining BJP, while Maliwal stated she had left the party but remained vague about her political future.

Political Tensions Within AAP

Chadha's exit comes on the heels of rising tensions within AAP and his recent removal from the position of deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha. Senior party members had accused him of straying from the party's political ideology, while Chadha claimed he had been silenced within the party. Notably, Mittal, who replaced Chadha as the new deputy leader, also joined BJP alongside him.

If all seven MPs formally switch allegiance, AAP's strength in the Rajya Sabha would be nearly eradicated. Currently, the party holds ten seats in the upper house, and losing seven members would mean they would only retain three, falling below the two-thirds majority required to avoid disqualification under anti-defection laws.

Concerns Over Alleged Signature Controversy

Chadha's press conference raised some doubts regarding the political situation. He asserted that he possesses a letter of consent signed by all seven MPs supporting the switch, and that formal discussions with parliamentary officials would commence soon. However, these letters have not been made publicly available.

Meanwhile, sources within AAP revealed that one of the remaining three Rajya Sabha MPs, ND Gupta, plans to submit a letter to Chairman CP Radhakrishnan against Chadha, Pathak, and Mittal, demanding action under the anti-defection law.

2023 Signature Controversy

In 2023, Chadha faced allegations related to a parliamentary proposal that included MPs' names without their explicit consent. Five Rajya Sabha members called for a privilege motion against him, claiming that their 'forged signatures' were added to a proposed selection committee for the Delhi Services Bill without their approval. AAP denied these allegations.

The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh, announced an investigation into these complaints. Chadha had proposed the selection committee in the upper house for this bill. The controversy eventually reached the ethics committee of the Rajya Sabha, which investigated the complaints against him. As a result, Chadha was suspended from the Rajya Sabha for several months before being reinstated. However, the circumstances surrounding this controversy differ significantly from his recent move to BJP.

Reactions from Vikram Sahni and Swati Maliwal

Sahni, one of the MPs named by Chadha, confirmed his decision to join BJP, stating that his commitment to Punjab's welfare and the belief that collaborating with the central government would allow him to contribute more effectively motivated his choice. He expressed on X, "By becoming part of BJP, I believe I can serve Punjab and its people with greater dedication and effectiveness in collaboration with the central government."

Describing Punjab as 'one spirit, one heritage, and a shared responsibility,' Sahni noted that the state is currently facing a challenging financial period and uncertain times. He added, "I have always believed in cooperative federalism and strong center-state relations. By working together in this spirit, we can restore stability, development, and hope in Punjab."

Swati Maliwal's Confirmation of Leaving AAP

Maliwal, a rebel MP from AAP, also confirmed her departure from the party but did not clarify whether she has joined BJP, as Chadha claimed. However, she criticized the party leadership for its operations. She wrote on X, "It is with great sadness that I must say today that the principles, values, and commitment to honest politics with which we began this journey have been abandoned by Arvind Kejriwal and the entire AAP at his behest."

She reiterated allegations of physical attacks at Kejriwal's residence, claiming she was assaulted and humiliated while the accused was protected and rewarded. She alleged, "I have received threats to ruin me, and every possible effort has been made against me."

Citing rampant corruption within the party, incidents of harassment against women, and 'betrayal' towards Punjab, Maliwal stated her decision to leave AAP. She further mentioned that she is currently in Itanagar for a parliamentary committee meeting and will discuss this matter in detail upon her return to Delhi tonight.

AAP's Leadership Response

Senior AAP leaders, including Kejriwal and Sanjay Singh, have launched sharp attacks on Chadha and the other MPs, accusing them of betraying Punjab and alleging that BJP has lured them under 'Operation Lotus.'

This controversy arises at a sensitive time for AAP; after losing power in Delhi last year, the party now only holds power in Punjab and is preparing for the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections in 2027. The departure of more members could deepen the internal crisis and complicate efforts to preserve its remaining state government.