Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chadha accused the AAP-led Punjab government of using state machinery for political vendetta against MPs who joined the BJP. He alleged selective targeting through various agencies, presenting these concerns to the President. Another rebel MP, Sandeep Pathak, stated they sought constitutional safeguards from the President, who assured protection.
A political confrontation in Punjab escalates as rival camps led by Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann seek separate meetings with President Droupadi Murmu on the same day. Chadha, one of seven AAP MPs who switched to BJP on April 24, is scheduled to meet the President at 10:40am, followed by Mann at noon seeking recall of the defectors. The row intensifies with reports of two FIRs with non-bailable charges against Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak, who alleges misuse of government machinery.
Punjab Police registered two non-bailable FIRs against BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak days after he switched from AAP to BJP. Pathak stated he has not received any information about the FIRs and is waiting for a copy to respond. BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal leaders accused the AAP government of political vendetta and misusing police machinery. Security was tightened outside Pathak's Delhi residence as a precautionary measure.
Punjab police have filed two FIRs against Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak, a former AAP strategist who defected to BJP last week along with six others. Sources confirm non-bailable charges have been registered. Pathak was seen leaving his Delhi residence before police arrived. BJP and SAD allege political vendetta, claiming the timing aims to prevent further defections and divert attention from CM Bhagwant Mann.
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.
Punjab Police has registered two non-bailable FIRs against Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak, who recently defected from Aam Aadmi Party to BJP. Pathak was among seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs who resigned on April 24, alleging the party had strayed from its principles. Their merger with BJP reduced AAP's strength in the Upper House from 10 to 3 MPs. Six of the seven MPs were from Punjab.
Seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs, including key strategists Sandeep Pathak and Raghav Chadha, have quit the party and joined BJP, dealing a symbolic blow to AAP in Punjab ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. Pathak was the 'silent mastermind' behind AAP's 2022 Punjab victory, while Chadha served as Punjab co-incharge. Their operational influence had already diminished after Manish Sisodia took over as Punjab in-charge in March 2025. The MPs invoked the two-thirds merger provision of the Tenth Schedule to retain their Rajya Sabha seats.
Seven Rajya Sabha MPs from AAP defected to BJP in a major blow to the 14-year-old party. While departures of Raghav Chadha and Swati Maliwal were anticipated, Sandeep Pathak's exit caused deepest concern. Pathak, appointed national general secretary in 2022 and part of AAP's highest decision-making body, was widely credited as key strategist behind the party's Punjab victory and was among just three people allowed to meet Arvind Kejriwal in jail.
Seven AAP MPs including Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal have joined the BJP, a move strategically timed ahead of Punjab Assembly elections due early next year. Chadha and Pathak were key figures behind AAP's 2022 Punjab victory. The BJP is targeting Panthic voters traditionally aligned with Shiromani Akali Dal, with HS Phoolka also joining earlier this month.
Aam Aadmi Party'nin önde gelen Rajya Sabha üyesi Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal dahil 7 milletvekiliyle BJP'ye geçti. Chadha, parti liderliğini suçlayarak 'suçlarına ortak olmak istemedim' dedi.
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.
