New Delhi: In a dramatic political development, Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Thursday claimed that more than two-thirds of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MPs in the Upper House have decided to part ways with the party and move towards merging with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Chadha said that a significant majority of AAP’s Rajya Sabha members have invoked constitutional provisions to initiate the merger process. “There are 10 AAP MPs in the Rajya Sabha, and more than two-thirds of them are with us. Signed letters and relevant documents have already been submitted to the Rajya Sabha Chairman this morning,” he stated.
He added that three MPs were present alongside him during the announcement, while others supporting the move include Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta, Vikram Sahney, and Swati Maliwal.
Launching a sharp attack on his former party, Chadha alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party has strayed from its founding principles. “The party that I nurtured with my blood and sweat for 15 years has completely deviated from its values and moral compass. It is no longer working in the national interest but for personal gains,” he said.
In an emotional remark, Chadha repeated, “I am the right man in the wrong party,” announcing his decision to distance himself from AAP and reconnect directly with the people.
Reflecting on his journey, Chadha said he was among the founding members of AAP and had played a key role in building the party in Delhi and expanding it to Punjab and beyond. He noted that several professionals from diverse fields—ranging from scientists and educationists to sportspersons—had joined the party with the vision of creating a corruption-free India.
“Today, with pain and disappointment, I must say that the same party is now trapped in the hands of corrupt and compromised individuals. Many patriotic people who joined AAP to serve the nation have already left or are in the process of leaving,” he alleged.
Chadha also praised the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that the government has taken bold decisions on issues such as national security and economic growth. “The people of India have endorsed this leadership repeatedly. We consider it a privilege to work under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah,” he said.
Reassuring his supporters, Chadha said that his commitment to raising public issues remains unchanged. “Some people feared that my voice was being suppressed within my party. I want to assure them that I will continue to speak for the people with the same dedication and energy,” he added.
The announcement, if formalised, could mark a significant shift in the political landscape, particularly in the Rajya Sabha, where party strength plays a crucial role in legislative proceedings.
