Seven MPs join BJP, reducing AAP to three members as party challenges move’s legality
New Delhi: Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan on April 27 approved the merger of seven Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MPs with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), altering the balance of strength in the Upper House. As a result, the BJP’s tally has increased to 113, while AAP’s presence has dropped from 10 members to just three.
The MPs who shifted allegiance include Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal, Harbhajan Singh, Swati Maliwal, Vikramjit Singh Sahney, and Rajinder Gupta. Their move follows a formal request submitted last week seeking recognition as BJP members under provisions of the Tenth Schedule.
The group has maintained that meeting the two-thirds requirement protects them from disqualification under anti-defection laws. However, the AAP has strongly disputed this interpretation. The party termed the development a “constitutional fraud” and argued that such a merger cannot be validated without approval from the original political party. It has also accused the BJP of using coercive tactics and has sought the disqualification of the MPs.
Meanwhile, the shift comes against the backdrop of internal tensions within AAP. Some of the departing leaders had earlier criticised the party’s functioning, with references to a “toxic” work environment and a departure from its founding principles.
The decision is expected to have wider political implications, particularly in shaping legislative dynamics in the Rajya Sabha.
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