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'I am their next target': Raghav Chadha alleges 'vendetta politics' by Punjab govt
Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chadha accused the Punjab government of vendetta politics and misuse of state machinery against MPs who defected to the BJP. He said a delegation met President Droupadi Murmu to convey concerns, alleging targeted actions through various agencies. Sandeep Pathak and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann were involved in related developments reported on the same day.
Why It Matters
The remarks highlight rising political tension between the AAP and BJP, with claims of state tools being used against dissenters. The incident underscores concerns about constitutional safeguards and political retaliation in governance.
Timeline
3 Events
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann en route to meet the President over defections
May 5, 2026
Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann, along with AAP MLAs, was travelling to Delhi to meet the President regarding the recent defection of seven Rajya Sabha MPs to the BJP, signaling a political face-off between the parties.
Sandeep Pathak seeks constitutional safeguards; President pledges protection
May 5, 2026
Another AAP Rajya Sabha rebel, Sandeep Pathak, said the delegation sought constitutional safeguards during the meeting with the President. He added that they informed the President of the current situation, and she assured protection under the Constitution.
Raghav Chadha accuses Punjab government of vendetta politics against dissenters
May 5, 2026
Chadha, a Rajya Sabha member, said the Punjab government and the Aam Aadmi Party are engaging in vendetta politics driven by revenge after MPs defected to the BJP. He stated that a delegation meeting with President Droupadi Murmu conveyed concerns about the misuse of Punjab's state machinery to target dissenting leaders, including through vigilance inquiries, the Delhi Police, and the Pollution Board, and that they presented these developments to the President.