Raghav Chadha Joins BJP as Rajya Sabha Chair Approves Merger

Raghav Chadha, along with Ashok Mittal, Sandeep Pathak, Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Harbhajan Singh, Swati Maliwal and Rajinder Gupta, left the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and merged with the BJP. Rajya Sabha Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan approved the merger announced by Raghav Chadha and the six MPs, who exited AAP last week.

With their induction, the BJP’s strength in the Rajya Sabha has risen to 113, as the seven leaders now feature on the party’s official list.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed the development on X, welcoming the leaders to the NDA and criticizing the opposition alliance. He praised the newly inducted MPs, stating they had maintained parliamentary discipline and avoided abusive language.

Earlier, on April 24, Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and others announced their exit from AAP, dealing a significant blow to the party. The move sharply reduced AAP’s strength in the Rajya Sabha to just three members.

Raghav Chadha, New MPs Earn BJP Praise

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju praised the newly inducted BJP MPs, saying they maintained parliamentary decorum and avoided abusive language or indiscipline. Writing on X, he said he had long observed that the seven MPs upheld proper conduct in the House.

Earlier, Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and other Rajya Sabha MPs announced their exit from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on April 24, dealing a major blow to the party. The move drastically reduced AAP’s strength in the Rajya Sabha to just three members.

Of the seven MPs who quit AAP, six belonged to Punjab, leaving Balbir Singh Seechewal as the party’s only representative from the state in the Upper House.

Also read:https://www.orderofindia.com/sports/ipl-2026-catch-drop-errors-teams-paying-heavy-price/

Raghav Chadha Blames AAP for ‘Toxic’ Work Environment

Raghav Chadha stepped up his attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday. He released a video explaining why he quit the party after years of association.

Notably, he said he had given 15 years of his youth to AAP. However, he claimed the party had changed. He added that he was no longer allowed to work freely or speak in Parliament. Moreover, he alleged that a “corrupt few” had taken control for personal gain. He said he felt like “the right person in the wrong party.”

Meanwhile, Chadha said he considered several options. He thought about leaving politics altogether. Alternatively, he also considered staying back to reform the party. Ultimately, he chose to join the BJP. He added that he entered politics by sacrificing his career. Therefore, he believes AAP has strayed from its original ideals.

In addition, Chadha said seven MPs jointly decided to leave AAP. At the same time, he assured the public of his commitment. He said he would raise their issues and work harder to resolve them.

Also read:https://centraltimes.in/business/airlines-5000-crore-relief-package/