Seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs Merge with BJP, Trigger Major Political Shift
New Delhi, April 24, 2026: In a dramatic political development, seven out of ten Rajya Sabha members from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) formally merged their faction with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), significantly altering the balance of power in the Upper House of Parliament.
The breakaway group was led by prominent AAP leaders including Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, and Ashok Mittal. Other members in the faction reportedly included former cricketer-turned-politician Harbhajan Singh and MP Swati Maliwal.
Constitutional Route Used
The group invoked provisions under the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which allows a merger without disqualification if at least two-thirds of a legislative party agree. With seven out of ten MPs supporting the move, the faction comfortably met the legal threshold to avoid defection penalties.
The MPs submitted the required documentation to Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, who is expected to review and formally acknowledge the merger in accordance with parliamentary procedures.
AAP Reduced to Three Members
Following the split, AAP’s presence in the Rajya Sabha has been reduced to just three MPs: Sanjay Singh, ND Gupta, and Balbir Singh Seechewal. The development marks one of the most significant internal ruptures in the party since its formation.
Chadha’s Criticism vs AAP’s Counterattack
In a statement following the merger, Raghav Chadha sharply criticized AAP’s leadership, alleging that the party had “strayed far from its founding principles of transparency and anti-corruption.” He argued that the decision to merge with the BJP was driven by a need to pursue “responsible governance and national interest.”
AAP, however, reacted strongly, branding Chadha and the defecting MPs as “traitors.” The party accused the BJP of orchestrating a calculated attempt to weaken opposition ranks through “political poaching and inducements.” Senior AAP leaders claimed the move undermines democratic ethics, even if it technically complies with constitutional provisions.
BJP Strengthens Position
The merger significantly boosts the BJP’s strength in the Rajya Sabha, taking its tally to 145 seats, further consolidating its legislative advantage. Political analysts suggest this could ease the passage of key bills and reforms that previously faced resistance in the Upper House.
Wider Political Implications
This development is expected to have far-reaching consequences:
- Opposition Unity Impact: The split weakens opposition cohesion ahead of upcoming parliamentary battles.
- AAP’s National Standing: The party faces a credibility challenge as it attempts to retain its identity and voter base.
- Precedent for Future Realignments: The use of the two-thirds rule highlights how constitutional provisions can enable large-scale political realignments without immediate legal repercussions.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on the Rajya Sabha Chairman’s final decision and the broader political ripple effects across India’s evolving parliamentary landscape.
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