THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, April 24: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) suffered a major political setback on Friday as seven of its Rajya Sabha MPs, including senior leader Raghav Chadha, resigned from the party and announced their decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Two-Third MPs Break Away
Addressing a press conference, Chadha, along with MPs Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal, said that more than two-thirds of AAP’s Rajya Sabha members have quit and will join the BJP as a separate faction. He added that Harbhajan Singh and Swati Maliwal are also leaving the party.
“In the Rajya Sabha, AAP has 10 MPs. More than two-thirds are with us. We have submitted signed letters and required documents to the Chairman,” Chadha said.
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Chadha strongly criticised the Arvind Kejriwal-led party, saying it had moved away from its founding principles.
“AAP, which I nurtured with my blood and sweat for 15 years, has completely strayed from its values and morals. I feel I am the right person in the wrong party,” he said.
Chadha was recently removed as AAP’s deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha and replaced by Ashok Mittal, indicating internal shifts within the party leadership.
Other Leaders Echo Exit Sentiment
Sandeep Pathak said the decision was difficult but inevitable. “For 10 years, I was associated with the party. I never thought this day would come,” he said.
The development comes days after the Enforcement Directorate conducted raids linked to Ashok Mittal in a FEMA-related probe, adding to the political pressure on the party.