BackPOLITICS
ECOSTANI | What defections before the Punjab poll mean for AAP, Arvind Kejriwal
On April 24, 2026, seven of 10 Rajya Sabha members, including Raghav Chadha, defected from AAP to BJP, marking the first major desertion of lawmakers from the party. The article places the defections in the context of a broader pattern of internal rifts and past strategic recalls, including Punjab's political trajectory and prior party upheavals. It also notes ongoing challenges for Kejriwal as he tries to keep his slate cohesive ahead of future elections.
Why It Matters
The defections risk weakening AAP’s grip in Punjab ahead of the 2027 polls and signal potential undercurrents of internal discontent that could shape national perceptions of Kejriwal’s leadership and the party’s anti-corruption brand.
Timeline
7 Events
Seven Rajya Sabha members defect from AAP to BJP, including Raghav Chadha
April 24, 2026
On April 24, 2026, seven of 10 Rajya Sabha members, including Raghav Chadha, defected from Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP to the BJP, marking the first major desertion of lawmakers from the party.
Kickbacks from Delhi excise policy alleged to fund Goa election campaign
2022
The BJP alleged that kickbacks from the now-scrapped 2021-22 Delhi excise policy funded AAP’s 2022 Goa election campaign.
AAP wins Punjab 2022 election; Chadha placed in charge of Punjab government
2022
The AAP deployed resources and won the 2022 Punjab assembly election, and Kejriwal gave Chadha the responsibility of overseeing the Punjab government’s functioning.
Delhi Jal Board probes and Chadha’s back-channel concerns cited
2021
The article notes trouble began when central agencies started probing alleged irregularities in the Delhi Jal Board during Chadha’s vice chairmanship, and mentions concerns about a back-channel with the BJP, contributing to tensions with Kejriwal.
AAP wins 20 seats in Punjab assembly, becomes main Opposition (2017)
2017
In 2017, the AAP won 20 seats in the 117-member Punjab assembly, becoming the main Opposition party and replacing the Shiromani Akali Dal.
Expulsions of Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav from AAP
2015
In 2015, Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav were expelled from the AAP over differences regarding candidate selection, marking an early shift toward prioritizing winnability over ideological purity.
Kejriwal resigns as Delhi chief minister and later returns with a full majority
2014
The article cites 2014 as a precedent for the Punjab strategy, noting that Kejriwal resigned as Delhi chief minister and later returned with a full majority, a backdrop referenced for how the AAP approach is being viewed in Punjab.