AAP's Internal Turmoil: Rebel MPs Join BJP Amid Leadership Crisis

New Delhi: In a dramatic twist within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Vikramjit Singh Sahney, one of the seven MPs who recently announced their merger with the BJP, disclosed that he met with AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal just days before the announcement. Sahney's revelations shed light on the simmering tensions that have plagued the party's Rajya Sabha team for over a year, particularly following the party's disappointing performance in the Delhi Assembly elections.

Sahney highlighted the sidelining of Sandeep Pathak, a key strategist behind AAP's Punjab election victory, as a pivotal moment that fueled discontent among party members. "Sandeep Pathak and Raghav Chadha were instrumental in AAP's success in Punjab. However, after the Delhi polls, Sandeep felt completely sidelined and expressed his frustration multiple times. Raghav Chadha echoed similar sentiments, feeling marginalized and eventually withdrawing from party activities," Sahney explained in an interview with NDTV.

The rift deepened significantly after Chadha's unexpected removal as AAP's deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, leading to a sense of betrayal among the MPs who believed they were brought to the Upper House by Chadha and Pathak. "We felt like we were reduced to zero. This dissatisfaction ultimately led us to consider our future elsewhere," Sahney added.

In a last-ditch effort to retain his party members, Kejriwal reportedly promised poll tickets to at least five leaders if they chose to stay. He invited them to his residence for discussions, but the MPs preemptively announced their departure just hours before the meeting.

What Sahney Told Kejriwal
During his meeting with Kejriwal, Sahney expressed his concerns about the implications of resignations from the party. "I informed him that even if one or two MPs resigned, it would lower the two-thirds threshold necessary to avoid disqualification under the anti-defection law. I urged him to reconsider, but he seemed unconvinced that Sandeep Pathak would actually leave. The next day, I learned that Pathak and others were indeed planning to join the BJP, prompting my own decision to follow suit for the betterment of Punjab," Sahney recounted.

Facing Accusations of Betrayal
In response to AAP's accusations labeling the departing MPs as "traitors to Punjab," Sahney defended their actions, stating, "The party can say whatever it wants, but we did not betray Punjab. We recently met with Amit Shah to discuss Punjab's pressing issues. Our goal is to advocate for Punjab and its people, and we believe collaboration with the Central government is essential for the state's development."

Raghav Chadha's Stand
Raghav Chadha, who has emerged as a central figure in this rebellion, confirmed that he, along with fellow MPs Swati Maliwal, Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta, Vikramjit Sahney, Ashok Mittal, and Sandeep Pathak, were leaving the party. This mass exodus marks one of the most significant challenges AAP has faced in its 16-year history, reducing its strength in the Rajya Sabha from 10 to just 3 members.

Chadha's departure was not entirely unexpected; signs of discord had been evident since early 2024, particularly when he traveled to London during a tumultuous period for AAP leaders facing corruption charges. His silence during this time raised eyebrows, and the final straw came when he was replaced as deputy leader by Ashok Kumar Mittal.

In a poignant statement, Chadha remarked, "I was silenced but not defeated. I distanced myself from the party because I refused to be complicit in their wrongdoings. We had two choices: abandon politics or pursue positive change with our experience and energy."

Kejriwal's Reaction
In light of these developments, Arvind Kejriwal has accused the BJP of orchestrating the defections, claiming they have betrayed the people of Punjab. As the political landscape shifts, the implications of this internal strife within AAP will undoubtedly resonate throughout the party and its supporters.