AAP Hit by Rajya Sabha Shocker, BJP Senses Opening Ahead of Gujarat Polls, Punjab Equation Turns Volatile
CHANDIGARH/NEW DELHI: IN a major political jolt, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have suffered a major setback in the Rajya Sabha, with more than two-thirds of its MPs reportedly merging with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Raghav Chadha said seven MPs including himself have signed the merger document and submitted it to the Chairman that in turn triggered a political storm that could have far-reaching implications ahead of the crucial Gujarat Assembly elections.
Sources indicate that the move was formalized when key leaders personally handed over the signed papers, underlining what insiders are calling a “well-coordinated political shift.”
They formally joined BJP at party headquarters with party Chief Nitin Nabin welcoming them in party fold.
The development is being seen as a massive blow to AAP’s already fragile presence in the Upper House, raising questions about internal cohesion within the party led by Arvind Kejriwal.
The crisis appears to have hit AAP hardest in Punjab, its only full-state stronghold.
The reported defection has “shattered” the party’s core group in the state, potentially weakening the government headed by Bhagwant Mann.
For the BJP, which has historically struggled to build a strong base in Punjab, the development could offer a rare political opening and fresh leadership options in the border state.
Adding a layer of political intrigue, insiders point to ideological and strategic differences within AAP.
While MP Raghav Chadha reportedly backed “Operation Sindoor,” a section of the party leadership had earlier taken a more confrontational stance on national security issues, including demands for proof from the armed forces—positions that BJP leaders have repeatedly attacked.
Reacting sharply, Kejriwal accused the BJP of “once again betraying Punjabis,” framing the development as part of a larger pattern of political destabilisation.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann went further, launching a scathing attack on the BJP, calling it “anti-Punjab” and accusing it of nurturing “hatred” towards both the state and AAP.
He condemned both the defectors and those inducting them, warning that “the people of Punjab will teach traitors a lesson.”
Mann also sought to rally the party’s base, asserting that AAP remains “a party of the common people” and that its strength lies in public support rather than political manoeuvres. However, political observers note that such a significant split in the Rajya Sabha could dent AAP’s credibility at a critical juncture, especially as it eyes expansion beyond Punjab and Delhi.
With Gujarat polls looming and Punjab’s political landscape showing signs of churn, this episode could mark a turning point.
For AAP, it is a test of resilience. For the BJP, it may well be an opportunity to redraw the political map in regions where it has long struggled to gain a foothold.
