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Amit Shah's Punjab visit and Chadha exit: Timeline of AAP MPs switching to BJP (2026)
This timeline tracks the defection of seven AAP MPs, anchored to Amit Shah’s Punjab rally in Moga on March 14, 2026, and subsequent party moves in April 2026. It notes roots going back to 2024 and identifies key moments including Chadha’s removal on April 2, 2026.
Why It Matters
The timeline illustrates how political realignments are unfolding in national and regional contexts, and how party leadership decisions can accelerate shifts in allegiances affecting Delhi elections and Punjab governance.
Timeline
4 Events
April 24, 2026: Seven AAP MPs' exit unfolds (reported as Friday)
April 24, 2026
The dramatic exit of seven AAP MPs is described as having unfolded in a single day; the article notes that what seemed sudden on Friday is now seen as part of a longer political build-up linked to the Punjab visit by Amit Shah.
April 2, 2026: AAP moves to remove Chadha as Rajya Sabha deputy leader
April 2, 2026
The Aam Aadmi Party moved to remove Raghav Chadha as its deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, citing his inability to raise key issues and accusing him of focusing on 'soft issues'.
Amit Shah's Punjab visit and BJP's decision to accommodate AAP defectors
March 14, 2026
Union home minister Amit Shah visited Punjab for a rally in Moga on March 14, 2026 (the Badlav Rally). Around that time, BJP is said to have taken the decision to accommodate disgruntled AAP MPs.
2024: Roots of the crisis
2024
Two parallel developments began to shape the situation in 2024: preparations for Delhi elections gathered pace, and discontent started brewing among some AAP leaders over the functioning of the party’s Punjab government.