AAP Moves to Disqualify MPs Who Switched to BJP

New Delhi: In a major political development, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is set to approach the Rajya Sabha Chairman seeking the disqualification of seven of its Members of Parliament who switched to the BJP on Friday. The move comes after a significant internal split within the party, marking one of the biggest setbacks for AAP in recent years.

Senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh announced that the party would formally write to the Rajyasabha Chairman, invoking provisions of the anti-defection law under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. He described the MPs’ decision to join the BJP as “illegal” and “unconstitutional,” asserting that such actions undermine democratic principles and the mandate given to the party by voters.

The seven MPs, including prominent figures such as Raghav Chadha, Swati Maliwal and Harbhajan Singh, resigned from AAP before aligning with the BJP, reportedly citing dissatisfaction with the party’s leadership and direction.

Their exit has significantly reduced AAP’s strength in the Rajya Sabha and highlighted growing internal dissent.

However, the disqualification demand may face legal hurdles. According to reports, the defecting MPs could avoid disqualification if their move qualifies as a “merger” under the anti-defection law, which requires at least two-thirds of a party’s legislators to switch sides together. In this case, the number of defectors reportedly meets that threshold, potentially protecting them from losing their seats.

The BJP, meanwhile, has welcomed the new entrants, with party leaders claiming the shift reflects declining confidence in AAP’s governance and leadership.

The episode has intensified political tensions, with AAP calling the defections a betrayal and vowing to pursue all constitutional remedies. The coming days are expected to see a legal and political battle over the fate of the defecting MPs and the interpretation of anti-defection provisions.