Aam Aadmi Party moves to disqualify 7 MPs over switch

• By Thetripurapost Desk, New Delhi
• Apr 25, 2026
• 69

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has decided to approach the Rajya Sabha Chairman seeking disqualification of seven of its MPs who have announced their move to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), calling the shift unconstitutional.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh said the anti-defection law does not permit any split or faction in Parliament, even if backed by a two-thirds majority. He cited the 10th Schedule of the Constitution, asserting that such breakaway groups are not legally valid.

Among AAP’s 10 Rajya Sabha MPs, Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal, and Sandeep Pathak publicly joined the BJP, with Chadha claiming that Harbhajan Singh, Vikramjit Singh Sawhney, Swati Maliwal, and Rajender Gupta are also aligned with them.

The development triggered strong reactions online, with Chadha reportedly losing around 1.3 million Instagram followers within 24 hours of announcing his switch—seen by some as backlash from younger users.

Swati Maliwal made serious allegations against AAP and party chief Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of mistreatment and alleging she was assaulted at her residence and pressured to withdraw an FIR. She also claimed she was denied the opportunity to speak in Parliament for two years and criticised the leadership as “misogynistic” and “corrupt.” Maliwal said her decision to join the BJP was voluntary and driven by faith in Narendra Modi.

Opposition leaders reacted sharply. AAP’s Saurabh Bhardwaj alleged that central agencies are used to pressure leaders but said grassroots workers remain committed. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticised the BJP, calling it a “washing machine” for defectors. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut likened the BJP to “Bakasur,” accusing it of absorbing leaders endlessly.

Social activist Anna Hazare also weighed in, saying switching parties for personal gain goes against democratic values and the spirit of the Constitution.