Raghav Chadha Announces 2/3 MPs of AAP Legislative Party Have Decided to Merge with BJP

New Delhi : In a major political development, Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha today announced his resignation from the Aam Aadmi Party, bringing to a close a 15-year-long association with the party he helped build from the ground up. Chadha, along with 6 other MPs, has formally merged with the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Rajya Sabha.

Describing the decision as “extremely difficult but inevitable,” Chadha stated that he had devoted the most crucial years of his life—his youth, energy, and commitment—to building a political movement rooted in honesty, transparency, and public service.

The Party Has Drifted from Its Core Values
Chadha expressed serious concern over what he termed a “complete departure” from the founding principles of AAP. A party that was born out of an anti-corruption movement, a party that promised clean politics and accountability, has today drifted far from those ideals, he said.

Raghav Chadha said, “I do not wish to be a part of their crimes and bad practices.”

He added that the values, principles, and moral compass that once defined the party have weakened over time, leaving many within the organisation disillusioned.

Opening up about his personal journey, Chadha revealed that for the past few years he had been grappling with a deep sense of discomfort. For quite some time now, I felt like the right man in the wrong party, he stated, underscoring a growing disconnect between his beliefs and the party’s functioning.

He further shared that he had consciously distanced himself from active party involvement as he could no longer align himself with the direction in which the party was moving and didn’t wish to be a part of the crimes and bad practices of the party.

Chadha did not hold back in expressing his emotional turmoil, stating that he feels “sad, hurt, and deeply disappointed” at the transformation of a movement he once believed in wholeheartedly.

The very party that was created to fight corruption now appears compromised. This is not just my concern, this sentiment is shared by countless workers and volunteers who joined with hope and idealism, he said. He noted that many committed members have already left the party, while several others are in the process of reassessing their association.

As a founding member, Chadha played a key role in establishing and expanding the party’s footprint in Delhi, Punjab, and other states. His journey, he emphasized, was never about personal ambition.

Before entering politics, he had a successful professional career as a Chartered Accountant and was actively involved in social causes. “I did not enter politics to build a career; I entered to serve the nation and contribute to building a corruption-free India,” he said.

Describing the present moment as a defining crossroads, Chadha said he was faced with two choices—either to step away from politics altogether or to continue working towards constructive change through a different platform.

Choosing the latter, he reiterated his commitment to public service and nation-building.

Chadha stated that he, along with several like-minded colleagues, will be joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He cited the leadership of Narendra Modi and India’s rapid progress in recent years as key factors influencing his decision.

India today stands stronger on the global stage and is emerging as a leading economic power. I believe this is the right platform to continue contributing meaningfully to the nation, he said.

Chadha emphasized that his commitment to the people remains unchanged. We are elected to serve the people, not a party. That responsibility does not end with a political shift, he stated. He assured that he will continue to raise issues concerning ordinary citizens, focusing on governance, accountability, and public welfare.

Concluding his statement, Chadha delivered a pointed message: One individual may be wrong, two may be wrong—but not everyone. When a large number of committed workers begin to feel the same way, their voices cannot be ignored.

Chadha underscored that among these 7 MPs are world-famous cricketers who represented Team India, Padma Shri awardees, distinguished scientists, and other eminent personalities. All 7 MPs are honourable and respected individuals, he noted, emphasizing that their collective decision carries immense moral weight.

Reflecting on the mutual relationship between the party and its MPs, Chadha acknowledged: If the party gave us a platform, we 7 MPs—and even 2/3rd of the MPs—also gave a lot to the party. Any party distributes responsibilities, and AAP gave us a great deal. In return, I gave everything I had to AAP. I helped build AAP’s very identity and atmosphere, he stated.

Raising a question, Chadha asked: We are chosen to work for the people—so should I stop working for the people? Answering his own question emphatically, he reaffirmed his resolve to continue serving the nation and move forward for the country.

Chadha invoked the provisions of Baba Saheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s Constitution as the legal and moral basis for his actions, reaffirming that every step taken in this transition has been fully within the framework of constitutional provisions and democratic principles.