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7 Rajya Sabha MPs Quit Arvind Kejriwal's Party; 3 Remain
Raghav Chadha announced that seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs will merge with the BJP, reducing the party's Upper House strength to three. He claimed more than two-thirds support within the AAP in Rajya Sabha for the move and named six co-movers; Balbir Singh Seechewal, Sanjay Singh, and ND Gupta will stay in AAP. The development follows earlier internal turmoil, including Chadha being removed as deputy leader in Rajya Sabha this month and public clashes with AAP leadership.
Why It Matters
The split significantly reduces AAP's Rajya Sabha presence and could affect parliamentary dynamics and anti-defection provisions, since seven members crossing over meets the threshold to avoid disqualification under the anti-defection law.
Timeline
7 Events
AAP counters accusations; Chadha responds
April 24, 2026
The AAP alleged various misdeeds by Chadha, while Chadha rejected the claims, asserting, 'Every lie will be exposed, and every question will be answered. For I am wounded and therefore, I am lethal.'
Chadha defends the move via video messages
April 24, 2026
Chadha released video messages calling the move a 'scripted campaign' and a 'coordinated action' against him.
Kejriwal comments on the development
April 24, 2026
AAP founder and chief Arvind Kejriwal posted a one-line statement: 'The BJP has once again betrayed the Punjabis'.
Sanjay Singh responds to Chadha's move
April 24, 2026
Sanjay Singh, a party spokesperson who led the media response, accused Chadha of betrayal and noted that seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs were joining the BJP.
Three AAP Rajya Sabha MPs remain in the party
April 24, 2026
Chadha's announcement left Balbir Singh Seechewal, Sanjay Singh, and ND Gupta as the remaining AAP Rajya Sabha MPs.
Chadha announces seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs to join BJP
April 24, 2026
Raghav Chadha announced that seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs will merge with the BJP, with him leading the group. He named six other MPs who will move with him: Swati Maliwal, Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta, Vikram Sahney, Ashok Mittal, and Sandeep Pathak.
Earlier this month: AAP removes Chadha as deputy leader in Rajya Sabha and asks RS Chairman not to allot time from party quota
April 2026
The AAP removed Raghav Chadha as its deputy leader in Rajya Sabha and requested the Rajya Sabha Chairman not to allot time from the party's quota for Chadha to speak in the House.