Raghav Chadha Joins BJP Amid AAP Rift and MP Shift

Raghav Chadha joins BJP with 6 MPs after AAP fallout, triggering major political shift and debate over defection law and future of AAP leadership.

New Delhi: In a dramatic political development, Raghav Chadha joins BJP, marking a major shift in India’s political landscape. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP switched allegiance along with six other MPs, triggering intense debate over party loyalty, leadership conflicts, and constitutional implications.

The controversy began on April 2, 2026, when AAP removed Raghav Chadha from the position of Deputy Speaker in the Rajya Sabha. This move escalated tensions between Chadha and the party leadership, eventually leading to a public fallout. Shortly after his removal, Chadha released a video on social media accusing the AAP leadership of attempting to suppress his voice.

Senior AAP leaders, including Sanjay Singh, former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, and Saurabh Bhardwaj, responded strongly. They alleged that Chadha was acting under pressure and accused him of diverting attention from key issues affecting the public, especially the youth.

As the political drama unfolded, speculation grew around Chadha’s future. While some supporters urged him to form a new political party aimed at representing Gen Z, others believed he would remain within AAP. However, discussions increasingly pointed toward a possible shift, with many predicting the moment when Raghav Chadha joins BJP.

A key concern during this period was the anti-defection law under the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. According to its provisions, a party switch could result in disqualification from the Rajya Sabha. However, this obstacle was overcome when Chadha, along with Swati Maliwal, Ashok Mittal, Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta, Vikram Sahney, and Sandeep Pathak—constituting two-thirds of AAP’s Rajya Sabha strength—made the collective move to join the BJP on April 24, 2026.

This strategic alignment allowed them to bypass disqualification under the merger clause, making the transition legally viable.

Addressing a press conference after joining the BJP, Chadha criticized the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government. He accused the party of abandoning its foundational promise of clean and honest politics, stating that its direction had significantly changed since coming to power in Delhi.

The development has sparked widespread political reactions and raised questions about AAP’s internal stability and future leadership. At the same time, the move is being seen as a significant gain for the BJP, potentially strengthening its position in the Rajya Sabha.

With Raghav Chadha joins BJP becoming one of the most talked-about political events of 2026, its long-term impact on national politics and voter sentiment remains to be seen.