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Kejriwal recruited Mittal into AAP; Mittal housed Kejriwal; both exited on April 24, 2026: what happened in between
The timeline traces how Ashok Mittal joined the AAP, later housed Arvind Kejriwal in an MP bungalow, and how both parties exited the arrangement on a single day. It also covers the ED raids linked to Mittal and the subsequent political reactions.
Why It Matters
The mass defection and relocation reshape AAP's Rajya Sabha strength and raise questions about internal party dynamics and investigations affecting governance in Punjab and Delhi.
Timeline
9 Events
Saurabh Bharadwaj links ED raids to Mittal exit
April 25, 2026
On Saturday, Delhi AAP chief Saurabh Bharadwaj linked the ED raids to Mittal’s exit in a post on X.
Merger crosses anti-defection threshold; MPs move to BJP
April 24, 2026
Chadha and other MPs moved with enough support to clear the constitutional threshold for anti-defection, enabling the seven Rajya Sabha MPs to merge with BJP.
Kejriwal reportedly seeks to hold Friday evening meeting to stop walkout; meeting does not occur
April 24, 2026
Kejriwal reportedly called the MPs to his home on Friday evening in an attempt to prevent the walkout, but the meeting never happened.
Centre allotment of bungalow to Kejriwal; Kejriwal shifts with family
April 24, 2026
In a post on X, Kejriwal said the Centre had allotted him a bungalow following court directions on account of his position as AAP national convenor, and that he had shifted to the new house with his family.
Mittal quits AAP and joins BJP
April 24, 2026
Mittal quit the AAP and joined the BJP.
Kejriwal vacates Mittal's MP bungalow; moves to Lodhi Estate residence
April 24, 2026
Kejriwal vacated the official MP bungalow at 5 Ferozeshah Road, which Mittal had provided to AAP, and moved to a Type-VII government bungalow in Lodhi Estate.
Seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs merge with BJP
April 24, 2026
Mittal was among seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs who merged into the BJP on Thursday.
ED raids linked to Mittal's finances
April 2026
Enforcement Directorate raids were conducted at multiple locations linked to Mittal, including his residence and the Lovely Professional University campus in Punjab, in connection with investigations into alleged financial irregularities involving the Lovely Group.
Mittal elevated to Rajya Sabha deputy leader (replacing Chadha)
April 2026
In early April 2026, Ashok Mittal was elevated to deputy leader of the Rajya Sabha, taking over from Raghav Chadha.