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New Delhi | April 24
In a major political development, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) faced a significant setback after senior leader Raghav Chadha, along with other Rajya Sabha MPs, announced a split within the party and declared their decision to merge with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Two-Thirds MPs Claim Support for Split
Addressing a press conference, Raghav Chadha said that two-thirds of AAP’s Rajya Sabha members have decided to leave the party.
He stated that out of 10 AAP MPs in the Rajya Sabha, seven MPs have supported the merger.
Apart from Chadha, the leaders involved include:
- Sandeep Pathak
- Ashok Mittal
- Harbhajan Singh
- Rajinder Gupta
- Vikramjit Singh Sahney
- Swati Maliwal
Chadha confirmed that the group submitted a formal letter along with signatures to the Rajya Sabha Chairman to initiate the merger process.
Decision Based on Ideological Differences
Explaining the move, Chadha alleged that AAP has deviated from its founding principles.
He said:
“The party has moved away from its core values and now works for personal benefits instead of national interest.”
Furthermore, he described his decision as a step toward aligning with public interest, stating that he felt like “the right man in the wrong party.”
Background: Internal Tensions in AAP
The split comes shortly after AAP removed Raghav Chadha from the position of Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha.
Following his removal, several party leaders criticised him and accused him of being soft towards the BJP.
However, Chadha strongly denied these allegations. He called them a “coordinated attack” and said a scripted campaign was being run against him.
Political Impact of the Split
This development could significantly alter the political landscape in Parliament.
If the merger proceeds under constitutional provisions, it may:
- Strengthen BJP’s position in the Rajya Sabha
- Weaken AAP’s parliamentary influence
- Trigger further political realignments
Moreover, the move comes at a time when national politics is witnessing increased competition among major parties.
What Happens Next?
The Rajya Sabha Chairman will now examine the submitted documents and verify whether the split meets the legal requirement of a two-thirds majority under anti-defection laws.
If approved, the merger will become official. Otherwise, the MPs could face disqualification proceedings.
The split in AAP’s Rajya Sabha ranks marks a major turning point in Indian politics.
Raghav Chadha’s decision, along with support from multiple MPs, reflects growing internal tensions within the party.
As the situation unfolds, its impact on parliamentary dynamics and upcoming political strategies will remain closely watched.
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