Operation AAP: 7 MPs Quit, Raghav Chadha Leads Big Shift to BJP

After politically targeting Arvind Kejriwal through the Delhi liquor case, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has now once again set its sights on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This latest “operation” by the BJP appears to be succeeding. For some time now, there has been widespread speculation that Raghav Chadha—who has been drawing attention by raising various issues in the Rajya Sabha—might join the BJP. In response, the AAP leadership recently removed him from the post of Deputy Floor Leader in the Rajya Sabha and appointed Ashok Mittal in his place. Interestingly, soon after this appointment, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on properties linked to Ashok Mittal, including offices and the Lovely Professional University (LPU), which he founded. These raids were reportedly carried out over alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

Now, both Raghav Chadha and Ashok Mittal are reportedly preparing to join the BJP. Not just them—out of the 10 AAP Rajya Sabha MPs, seven are said to be planning to switch sides, which would help them avoid disqualification under anti-defection laws. This development comes as a major shock to AAP. Speaking to the media in Delhi on Friday, Chadha announced that, in line with constitutional provisions, two-thirds of their members are joining the BJP. He, along with six other MPs, has resigned from AAP. Senior MPs Ashok Mittal and Sandeep Pathak were also present at the press conference. Chadha alleged that AAP, which once came to power in Delhi promising to fight corruption, is now drifting away from value-based politics. He further revealed that among those set to join the BJP are Harbhajan Singh, Swati Maliwal, Sandeep Pathak, Rajinder Gupta, and Vikram Sahney.

He stated that he had dedicated 15 years of his life to AAP but no longer felt he was in the right party, which is why he chose to resign. Meanwhile, AAP has accused the BJP of trying to engineer a split in the party by using Raghav Chadha as a pawn. The party also alleged that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had promised Chadha a ministerial post if he brought along seven MPs. However, the BJP has dismissed these allegations as baseless. Raghav Chadha also confirmed that a letter signed by seven AAP MPs has been submitted to the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.