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Seechewal stays with AAP after others defect with Chadha; becomes Punjab's lone RS MP
Balbir Singh Seechewal remained with the Aam Aadmi Party as seven Punjab-based Rajya Sabha MPs defected to the BJP. He said he was approached before the defection and declined; he recalled a tea invitation during a Parliament session and noted the roles of Chadha and Pathak. Seechewal is now the party's sole Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab.
Why It Matters
The move highlights internal rifts within AAP's Punjab leadership and defines the party's remaining parliamentary presence in the state, potentially shaping its influence ahead of future political contests.
Timeline
6 Events
Seechewal reaffirmed as Punjab's lone AAP RS MP; background and cautions
April 26, 2026
The article notes Seechewal is the sole remaining AAP Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab, having been nominated by CM Bhagwant Mann and repeatedly declining prior offers; it also reiterates his attendance and ground-level work, and his claim that he was not allowed to speak on bills by the party's deputy leader (Chadha was removed on April 2).
Reports of 'gaddar' spray-painting on defectors' properties; Seechewal's response
April 25, 2026
Media reported spray-painting of ‘gaddar’ (traitor) labels on the homes and offices of defecting MPs in Punjab. Seechewal declined to use the term and invoked Gurbani; he said he had not been approached by the BJP.
Seechewal says he was approached before the defection
April 25, 2026
Seechewal told local media that he had been directly approached by Vikram Sahney before the defection; Sahney said several signatories included Ashok Kumar Mittal and asked Seechewal to sign as well, which he declined.
Seven AAP RS MPs defect to BJP; Seechewal stays with AAP
April 24, 2026
Seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs announced their merger with the BJP, with six from Punjab. Balbir Singh Seechewal from Punjab did not join the defectors.
Tea invitation during Parliament session (April 16-18)
April 16, 2026
During the April 16-18 Parliament session, Chadha's camp reportedly extended an invitation for tea to Balbir Singh Seechewal; Seechewal said the invitation was the first such tea invitation and declined, telling them to drink tea themselves.
Chadha removed from Rajya Sabha deputy leader post
April 2, 2026
Raghav Chadha was removed from the post of deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha on April 2, 2026.