Multiple Indian opposition parties, including TMC, Shiv Sena (UBT), Samajwadi Party, and AAP, are experiencing internal crises, potential splits, and mass defections. This trend, exacerbated by loopholes in the anti-defection law, is reshaping the political landscape and impacting the ruling alliance's parliamentary strength.
Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh, now a Rajya Sabha member, has accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of selling a Rajya Sabha seat from Punjab. He made the allegations in response to criticism about his defection to the BJP.
Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh, now a Rajya Sabha member, has accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of selling a Rajya Sabha seat from Punjab. He made the allegations in response to an X user's taunt about his move to the BJP.
A blast near Amritsar's Khasa cantonment and a scooter fire in Jalandhar have sparked political outcry against the Punjab government. While no casualties were reported in Amritsar, opposition parties criticized the Aam Aadmi Party for alleged governance failures and deteriorating law and order, especially given Punjab's sensitive border status.
Punjab Police have registered two FIRs under non-bailable sections against Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak in separate districts, days after he switched from the Aam Aadmi Party to the BJP as part of a group of MPs merging with the ruling camp in the Upper House. The BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal have alleged political vendetta, with BJP leaders accusing the AAP government of misusing police to target opponents.
Punjab Police have registered two FIRs under non-bailable sections against Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak in separate districts, days after he switched from the Aam Aadmi Party to the BJP as part of a group of MPs merging with the ruling camp in the Upper House. The BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal have alleged political vendetta, with BJP working president Ashwani Sharma accusing the AAP government of misusing police to target opponents.
AAP's Punjab government won a confidence motion in the state assembly, with CM Bhagwant Mann saying the result ends speculation about party instability after seven AAP Rajya Sabha members defected to BJP on April 24. The motion was moved during a special one-day session with the party issuing a whip for full attendance. AAP holds 94 of 117 seats in Punjab.
AAP's confidence motion passed in Punjab assembly on Friday, with CM Bhagwant Mann dismissing speculation about party splits after seven Rajya Sabha members defected to BJP on April 24. The defected MPs included Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Harbhajan Singh, with six from Punjab. AAP holds 94 of 117 seats in the Punjab assembly.
Seven Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MPs have officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, bolstering the NDA's numbers in the Upper House. This move, facilitated by the anti-defection law's provision for two-thirds party mergers, sees the BJP's strength increase significantly. The party anticipates further gains by year-end, nearing a crucial two-thirds majority.
Raghav Chadha explained his departure from the Aam Aadmi Party, citing a toxic work environment and corruption within the organization. He stated that he felt like the 'right man, but in the wrong party,' and that seven MPs have decided to leave. Chadha asserted the decision was driven by disappointment, not fear, and pledged to continue public service.
Mumbai Police detained several AAP activists on Sunday after they protested outside the residence of Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha in Khar, who recently defected to BJP along with six other AAP MPs. The protesters raised slogans against him, burned his effigy, and held placards expressing anger over his party switch. Similar protests were held in Ludhiana against another AAP MP Rajinder Gupta who also joined BJP. AAP claimed the protest was peaceful and alleged police selectively enforced law to curb democratic rights.
The Aam Aadmi Party has urged the Rajya Sabha Chairman to disqualify seven MPs who defected to the BJP, citing constitutional experts who believe they are liable for disqualification. This move follows the MPs' departure, sparking a legal and political dispute over anti-defection rules.
Aam Aadmi Party workers protested outside MP Rajinder Gupta's residence in Ludhiana, spray-painting 'Gaddar' on his walls after he and Raghav Chadha led a mass defection of AAP MPs to the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Seven Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MPs, including Raghav Chadha, have defected to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), citing ideological differences. The AAP plans to seek their disqualification under the anti-defection law, though the party believes the law's provisions for party mergers may apply.
Seven of Aam Aadmi Party's 10 Rajya Sabha MPs, led by Raghav Chadha, have defected to the BJP in one of the biggest crises for AAP since its 2012 formation. Chadha, once Kejriwal's close aide, accused the party of deviating from its founding ideals and prioritizing personal benefits over national interest. The mass exodus includes Harbhajan Singh, Sandeep Pathak, and other Punjab-linked MPs, reducing AAP to just 3 MPs in the Upper House.
Aam Aadmi Party faces a significant internal crisis as Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha leads a mass exodus of seven MPs to the Bharatiya Janata Party. This move, following Chadha's removal as deputy leader, marks a severe blow to AAP's presence in Parliament and raises questions about its core principles.
Aam Aadmi Party's rising star Raghav Chadha has dramatically exited the party, along with six other Rajya Sabha members on Friday. The seven MP's announced their merger with BJP claiming that AAP "has now completely deviated from its principles, values, and morals". This move signals a significant internal rupture and an existential moment for the AAP, following Chadha's removal as deputy leader.
In a significant political shift, Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has resigned from the Aam Aadmi Party and joined the BJP, citing the party's deviation from its founding principles for personal gain. Chadha expressed feeling like the 'right man in the wrong party.' He announced that seven AAP MPs, including Swati Maliwal and Harbhajan Singh, are also making the move.
Aam Aadmi Party faces a significant setback as Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha and six other MPs announced their decision to merge with the Bharatiya Janata Party. Chadha cited the AAP's deviation from its core ideology and working for personal benefits as reasons for the move. This comes days after Chadha's removal as Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha.
A significant rift within the Aam Aadmi Party has led to a major exodus, with seven AAP MPs joining the BJP. This leaves the party with only three members in the Rajya Sabha, including leader Sanjay Singh, who has denounced the defectors as 'traitors' amidst allegations of 'Operation Lotus' targeting the Punjab government.
In a significant political shift, Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has resigned from the Aam Aadmi Party and joined the BJP, citing the party's deviation from its founding principles for personal gain. Chadha expressed feeling like the 'right man in the wrong party.' He announced that seven AAP MPs, including Swati Maliwal and Harbhajan Singh, are also making the move.
Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh joined the BJP on Friday, leaving the AAP after nearly four years. He was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by AAP in 2022. He is among several AAP MPs to switch to BJP, alongside Raghav Chadha. Harbhajan played for India between 1998 and 2016.
Seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs including Deputy Leader Ashok Kumar Mittal and Raghav Chadha have joined the BJP, citing ideological drift and loss of core values. The defection comes just 22 days after Mittal was appointed deputy leader, marking one of the most significant exits in AAP's recent parliamentary history. The party now faces a major organisational setback as it loses over half its Rajya Sabha strength.
Seven Rajya Sabha MPs from Aam Aadmi Party, including prominent leaders Raghav Chadha and Swati Maliwal, have quit AAP and joined BJP. The MPs announced their decision on Friday, citing that AAP has deviated from its principles and is now working for personal gain rather than national interest. Chadha, who spent 15 years with AAP, was recently removed as the party's Rajya Sabha leader, which triggered the split.
