In a dramatic political development that could shake the foundations of the Aam Aadmi Party, Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha announced that he and a group of party MPs have decided to break away from AAP and merge with the Bharatiya Janata Party.
The move, if formally completed, would mark one of the biggest setbacks for AAP in recent years and significantly alter the party’s strength in the Rajya Sabha.
Addressing a press conference, Chadha declared, “We have decided that we, the two-thirds members belonging to the AAP in Rajya Sabha, exercise the provisions of the Constitution of India and merge ourselves with the BJP.”
With AAP currently having 10 Rajya Sabha MPs, the support of seven members would meet the two-thirds threshold required under anti-defection provisions for a merger.
Raghav Chadha’s Exit Could Trigger Major Political Crisis for AAP
Raghav Chadha has been one of AAP’s most recognised national faces and a close strategist within the party’s top leadership.
As a Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab, he played a prominent role in shaping AAP’s public messaging and national political outreach.
His decision to lead a possible merger with the BJP signals a serious internal rupture in the party and raises concerns about AAP’s future unity.
If the merger materialises, it could damage AAP’s standing in Parliament and hurt its credibility ahead of future elections.
Who Are the 7 AAP Rajya Sabha MPs Set to Join BJP?
1. Raghav Chadha
Raghav Chadha has been one of AAP’s most prominent spokespersons and political strategists. Known for his strong media presence and close links to the party leadership, Chadha has been central to AAP’s expansion efforts outside Delhi.
2. Swati Maliwal
Swati Maliwal rose to prominence as Chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women and became a Rajya Sabha MP in 2024. She has been vocal on women’s rights and governance issues, and in recent times has openly criticised the party leadership.
3. Harbhajan Singh
Harbhajan Singh, the former Indian cricketer popularly known as “Bhajji,” joined AAP and entered the Rajya Sabha from Punjab in 2022. His public profile made him one of the party’s notable high-profile faces.
4. Sandeep Pathak
Sandeep Pathak is regarded as one of AAP’s top election strategists. He played a crucial role in the party’s electoral victories, especially in Punjab, and served as National General Secretary (Organisation).
5. Ashok Mittal
Ashok Mittal, founder of Lovely Professional University, entered Parliament through AAP in 2022. He has contributed to policy debates on education and entrepreneurship.
6. Vikram Sahney
Vikram Sahney is an entrepreneur and philanthropist who has been active in raising issues related to agriculture, industry, and water management in Punjab.
7. Rajinder Gupta
Rajinder Gupta is an industrialist who entered the Rajya Sabha in 2025. He has worked on economic policy and employment-related issues.
Why This Move Matters for BJP and Punjab Politics
The possible merger of seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs with the BJP could dramatically strengthen the BJP’s position in the Upper House while weakening AAP’s ability to present itself as a national alternative.
For the BJP, this would be a strategic gain, especially in Punjab, where the party is looking to expand its influence before the next Assembly elections.
The development may also raise questions about internal dissatisfaction within AAP and whether more leaders could follow the same path.
If the merger is officially completed, it could emerge as one of the most significant political realignments in recent parliamentary politics.
AAP Faces Uncertainty as BJP Eyes Political Advantage
The shock announcement has placed AAP in a difficult position at a time when the party is trying to strengthen its national footprint.
Losing seven Rajya Sabha MPs would not only reduce its parliamentary strength but also dent its political image.
At the same time, the BJP would gain momentum by projecting the move as a sign that even senior AAP leaders are losing faith in the party.
The coming days will now determine whether the proposed merger becomes a formal political reality or triggers an internal battle within AAP.
How many AAP Rajya Sabha MPs are set to merge with BJP?
Seven Rajya Sabha MPs are reportedly part of the proposed merger led by Raghav Chadha.
Why is this merger important?
The move could weaken AAP’s strength in Parliament while boosting BJP’s numbers in the Rajya Sabha.
Who is leading the merger from AAP?
Raghav Chadha is leading the group of MPs planning to merge with the BJP.
Will this affect Punjab politics?
Yes, the move could strengthen BJP’s political prospects in Punjab ahead of future Assembly elections.
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