AAP Moves to Disqualify Raghav Chadha and 2 Other MPs After BJP Switch

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has faced a significant political setback as prominent leader Raghav Chadha and two other Rajya Sabha MPs, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This move has triggered a sharp political confrontation between AAP and the BJP. In response to the defection, AAP has decided to take strict legal action. Senior leader Sanjay Singh announced that the party would formally begin the process to disqualify the three members from the Rajya Sabha.

Sanjay Singh to Petition Rajya Sabha Chairman

Sanjay Singh's statement followed the decision of Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, and Ashok Mittal to distance themselves from the Arvind Kejriwal-led party. Sharing the update on social media, Singh stated that the party would approach the Presiding Officer of the Rajya Sabha to invoke the 10th Schedule of the Constitution, which details provisions for disqualification on grounds of defection. He said, 'I will submit a letter to the Honorable Rajya Sabha Chairman, demanding that Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal, and Sandeep Pathak be disqualified from their Rajya Sabha membership for joining the BJP, as this is equivalent to voluntarily giving up the membership of their original party under the Tenth Schedule'.

Understanding the 10th Schedule and Anti-Defection Law

The 10th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, known as the Anti-Defection Law, was implemented in 1985 through the 52nd Amendment. Its primary objective is to curb political defections and maintain government stability.

Reasons for Defection: Raghav Chadha’s Allegations Against AAP

On Friday, Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, and Ashok Mittal formally joined the BJP at the party's Delhi headquarters in the presence of BJP President Nitin Nabin. Chadha stated that the decision to merge was driven by AAP's deviation from its original ideology. He alleged that the party is now working for personal gain rather than the national interest, while chadha remarked, 'The Aam Aadmi Party, which I nurtured with my blood and sweat and gave 15 years of my youth, has strayed from its principles and values. For the past few years, I felt like I was the right man in the wrong party, while That's why, I am separating myself from AAP to stay closer to the people'.

'Traitors of Punjab': Sharp Reactions from AAP Leadership

" Sanjay Singh alleged that the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Home Minister Amit Shah have launched 'Operation Lotus' to obstruct the good work of the Bhagwant Mann government in Punjab. He stated that the people of Punjab would never forgive these seven names. Similarly, Manish Sisodia slammed the leaders, accusing them of trading the hard work of party workers for personal gain. He claimed that while thousands of AAP workers were facing threats from the BJP, these members compromised due to fear and greed.

Kejriwal’s Response and Recent Developments

' This move to join the BJP comes shortly after AAP removed Raghav Chadha from the post of Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha. Following that decision, several party leaders had attacked Chadha, accusing him of taking a soft stance toward the BJP. Chadha had denied those allegations, calling them a "planned attack" and refuting claims that he refused to sign the impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner.