In a dramatic political development, Raghav Chadha on Friday claimed that a significant section of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MPs in the Rajya Sabha has decided to break away and merge with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Addressing a press conference alongside Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal, Chadha said that more than two-thirds of AAP’s Rajya Sabha members have invoked constitutional provisions to facilitate the merger.
“We, the two-thirds members belonging to the AAP in the Rajya Sabha, have decided to exercise constitutional provisions and merge ourselves with the BJP,” Chadha stated.
Majority Support Claimed
Chadha asserted that out of the 10 AAP MPs in the Rajya Sabha, the required majority is backing the move. He said that signed letters and supporting documents have already been submitted to the Rajya Sabha Chairman.
He named Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta, Vikram Sahney, and Swati Maliwal as among those supporting the decision.
Criticism of Party Leadership
Explaining his move, Chadha alleged that AAP has strayed from its founding principles.
“The party I devoted 15 years of my life to has deviated from its values and core ideals. It is no longer working in the national interest but for personal gains,” he said, adding that he had increasingly felt “like the right person in the wrong party.”
He also indicated that he is stepping away from the party structure and intends to reconnect directly with the public.
Political Impact Awaited
The announcement could have major implications for the balance of power in the Rajya Sabha and the broader political landscape. However, an official response from the AAP leadership is still awaited.
The situation is likely to evolve further as constitutional procedures and parliamentary rules regarding party mergers come into play.
