Raghav Chadha has defended his decision to leave the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), citing what he described as a “toxic work environment” within his former party.
‘Party No Longer the Same’: Chadha Explains Exit
In a video message, Chadha said his decision came after years of dedication to AAP, where he was a founding member.
He stated that:
- He spent nearly 15 years of his political career in the party
- The party’s internal environment had significantly changed
- Members were allegedly restricted from speaking and working freely
According to Chadha, the party he once believed in had evolved into a space where decision-making was no longer transparent.
Allegations of Internal Issues
Chadha further claimed that leadership within AAP had shifted into the hands of individuals he described as “corrupt and compromised.”
He alleged:
- Party decisions were driven by personal interests rather than public welfare
- Voices within the party were suppressed
- Members faced limitations in raising issues, even in Parliament
The AAP, however, has dismissed the departures as an act of “betrayal.”
Why He Chose BJP
Chadha outlined three options he considered before making his move:
- Leaving politics altogether
- Staying within AAP to attempt internal reform
- Joining another party to continue “positive politics”
He ultimately chose the third option, stating he felt like “the right person in the wrong party.”
Seven MPs Defect Together
Chadha was not alone in his decision. Six other Rajya Sabha MPs also left AAP alongside him, including:
- Ashok Mittal
- Sandeep Pathak
- Vikramjit Singh Sahney
- Harbhajan Singh
- Swati Maliwal
- Rajinder Gupta
He emphasised that the collective nature of the decision reflected deeper issues within the party.
Impact on AAP and Legal Implications
The exit of seven MPs has significantly weakened AAP’s strength in the Rajya Sabha, raising concerns about its political future.
Under India’s anti-defection law (Tenth Schedule):
- At least two-thirds of MPs must agree to switch parties
- In this case, seven MPs met the required threshold
- This allows them to merge with another party without disqualification
Chadha Promises Continued Public Service
Addressing supporters, Chadha assured that his political shift would not affect his commitment to public issues.
He said he would continue to raise citizens’ concerns “with more energy and enthusiasm” in his new role within the BJP.
