AAP to Pursue Disqualification of 7 Rebel MPs Who Joined BJP

AAP to Pursue Disqualification of 7 Rebel MPs Who Joined BJP | Quick Digest
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announced it will approach the Rajya Sabha Chairman and the President to seek disqualification of seven of its Rajya Sabha MPs, led by Raghav Chadha, who recently defected and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). AAP asserts the defections are unconstitutional and violate the anti-defection law.

Key Highlights

  • Seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs, led by Raghav Chadha, joined BJP on April 24, 2026.
  • AAP states defections violate the anti-defection law and seeks disqualification.
  • Raghav Chadha claimed two-thirds of AAP's RS strength merged with BJP.
  • Sanjay Singh (AAP) calls the move 'illegal' and 'unconstitutional'.
  • Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann sought President's meeting for 'recall' of defectors.
  • The defection significantly weakens AAP's presence and boosts NDA in Rajya Sabha.
In a significant political development in India, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has declared its intention to move the Rajya Sabha Chairman and the President against seven of its Rajya Sabha Members of Parliament (MPs) who recently defected to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This move comes after a dramatic announcement on April 24, 2026, by Raghav Chadha, a prominent AAP leader, that he along with six other AAP Rajya Sabha MPs had formally joined the BJP. The seven defecting MPs include Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal, Sandeep Pathak, Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta, Vikram Sahney, and Swati Maliwal. Chadha, speaking at a press conference alongside Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal, asserted that the group constituted over two-thirds of AAP's strength in the Rajya Sabha, which was 10 MPs prior to the defection. He stated that they were exercising constitutional provisions to merge with the BJP. The BJP, in turn, formally welcomed these MPs into its fold at its Delhi headquarters. Reacting strongly to this development, the AAP leadership, including senior leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, swiftly condemned the move as 'illegal, wrong, unconstitutional, and against parliamentary rules.' Singh announced that the party would formally write to the Vice President, who is also the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, seeking the immediate disqualification of these seven rebel lawmakers from the Upper House. He argued that the anti-defection law, enshrined in the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, does not recognize a split or faction, even if it involves a two-thirds majority of members, unless the original political party itself decides to merge with another. This interpretation suggests that individual or group defections, even if they meet the two-thirds threshold, would still attract disqualification if the parent party does not formally merge. Further escalating the party's response, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also sought an appointment with President Droupadi Murmu. His aim is to formally demand the 'recall' of the six defecting MPs who were elected from Punjab. However, it's pertinent to note that legal experts and constitutional scholars have pointed out that the Indian Constitution does not contain a specific provision for the 'right to recall' elected representatives. Despite this, the AAP's actions underscore their resolve to contest the defections on all available legal and political fronts. The anti-defection law was introduced in 1985 through the 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act, primarily to curb political instability caused by frequent party switching by elected representatives. The law stipulates that a legislator can be disqualified if they voluntarily give up membership of their political party or vote contrary to the party's whip. The exception, which is at the heart of the current dispute, allows for a merger of a political party with another if at least two-thirds of its legislators agree to such a merger. The ultimate decision on disqualification under this law rests with the Presiding Officer of the respective House, in this case, the Rajya Sabha Chairman. The defection of seven out of its ten Rajya Sabha MPs represents a significant blow to the Aam Aadmi Party. Before this split, AAP had 10 MPs in the Rajya Sabha, consisting of 7 from Punjab and 3 from Delhi. This departure reduces their strength in the Upper House to just three members (Sanjay Singh, N.D. Gupta, and Sant Balbir Singh). Consequently, the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) strength in the Rajya Sabha receives a considerable boost, nearing a standalone majority and potentially making it easier for the government to pass crucial legislation. This political realignment is particularly impactful ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Punjab, where AAP is currently the ruling party. The rebels, led by Chadha, countered AAP's accusations by alleging widespread corruption and an ideological decline within their former party. Chadha specifically stated that he did not want to be a part of AAP's 'crimes' and felt like the 'right man in the wrong party,' prompting him and others to seek a new political path with the BJP. The events have triggered widespread protests by AAP workers across Punjab, who have denounced the defectors as 'traitors' and have targeted their residences and offices. Overall, the incident highlights the ongoing challenges of political defections in India and the critical role of the anti-defection law in maintaining party discipline and legislative stability. The decision of the Rajya Sabha Chairman regarding the disqualification petitions will be a closely watched development with significant implications for both AAP and the broader political landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which AAP Rajya Sabha MPs joined the BJP?

Seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs, namely Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal, Sandeep Pathak, Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta, Vikram Sahney, and Swati Maliwal, have defected from the Aam Aadmi Party and formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party.

What is AAP's stance on the defections?

The Aam Aadmi Party has termed the defections as 'illegal, wrong, and unconstitutional,' stating that the anti-defection law does not recognize such a split or faction, even if it involves two-thirds of its members, unless the original party formally merges. AAP is seeking the disqualification of these MPs from the Rajya Sabha.

What is the 'anti-defection law' and how does it apply here?

The anti-defection law, under the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, aims to prevent elected legislators from switching parties. It mandates disqualification if a member voluntarily gives up party membership or defies a party whip. An exception exists if two-thirds of a party's legislators merge with another party, but the legality of a group of MPs merging without the party's formal merger is currently under dispute. The Rajya Sabha Chairman will decide on the disqualification.

What are the political implications of this defection?

This defection significantly reduces AAP's strength in the Rajya Sabha from 10 to 3 MPs, thereby weakening its voice in the Upper House. Conversely, it boosts the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) strength, potentially making it easier for the government to pass key legislation. It also creates a major political challenge for AAP, especially ahead of upcoming state elections in Punjab.

Why did the MPs defect from AAP?

Raghav Chadha and other defecting MPs cited reasons such as alleged widespread corruption, ideological decline, and a growing sense of 'disappointment, disengagement, and disgust' with the existing AAP leadership. Chadha stated he did not want to be part of the party's 'crimes' and felt like the 'right man in the wrong party'.

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