Raghav Chadha Among Seven AAP MPs to Join BJP, Rajya Sabha Shift Sparks Legal Dispute and Political Shockwaves – Obnews

A major political shift has unfolded in India’s upper house of Parliament after Raghav Chadha and six other Members of Parliament from the Aam Aadmi Party announced their move to the Bharatiya Janata Party. The decision has sharply reduced AAP’s strength in the Rajya Sabha and triggered intense debate over the legality of the shift under India’s anti-defection framework.

Chadha stated that more than two-thirds of AAP’s Rajya Sabha members supported the merger with the BJP, arguing that the procedural requirements for such a move had already been completed. The announcement followed his recent removal from the post of deputy leader of the party in the upper house. The departure of seven MPs has reduced AAP’s representation in the chamber from ten members to just three, marking a significant political setback for the party at the national level.

However, the move has immediately drawn a strong response from senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh, who said he plans to write to the Rajya Sabha chairman seeking the disqualification of the defecting MPs. Singh argued that the anti-defection law does not recognize splits or breakaway factions within either house of Parliament, regardless of whether two-thirds of legislators support the move. He described the MPs’ decision to join the BJP as unconstitutional and legally invalid.

The timing of the development has added further political significance. The shift comes ahead of the 2027 assembly elections in Punjab, where AAP has maintained a strong political presence. Analysts suggest the departure of several senior parliamentarians could influence the party’s organizational strength and national positioning as it prepares for upcoming electoral contests.

In a related political development, Rahul Gandhi is expected to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for a three-day trip where he plans to meet representatives of the Great Nicobar tribal council and raise concerns about the government’s Great Nicobar Holistic Development Project. The large-scale infrastructure initiative, valued at approximately ₹810 billion, has faced criticism from environmental groups who warn it could threaten sensitive ecosystems and indigenous communities, while the government has described the project as strategically important for national development and maritime security.

Meanwhile, security concerns remain elevated in India’s northeastern region after fresh violence in Manipur left at least three people dead and several others injured during clashes between rival ethnic groups. Authorities reported that security operations are continuing in affected areas as efforts intensify to prevent further escalation in a conflict that has already claimed hundreds of lives over the past three years.