- Raghav Chadha announces merger with BJP
- Six other AAP Rajya Sabha MPs join move
- Decision meets two-thirds rule under anti-defection law
- Major political setback for Arvind Kejriwal
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 24th April: In a major political development, Raghav Chadha on Friday announced that he and six other Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) members in the Rajya Sabha will merge with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), triggering a sharp realignment in the Upper House.
Addressing a press conference, Chadha said that more than two-thirds of AAP’s 10 Rajya Sabha MPs are part of the move, enabling them to retain their membership under the provisions of the anti-defection law.
The MPs who have joined the decision include Ashok Mittal, Sandeep Pathak, Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta, Vikram Sahney and Swati Maliwal.
Chadha stated that the decision has been formally communicated to the Rajya Sabha Chairman. He cited internal developments within the party, including his recent removal as deputy leader in the Upper House, as part of the context for the move.
The development is expected to significantly impact the parliamentary strength and internal structure of the Aam Aadmi Party, particularly in the Rajya Sabha where it had 10 members.
Under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, a merger is exempt from disqualification if at least two-thirds of legislators agree to it.
Political reactions are expected to intensify, with the move seen as a major shift in the balance of power in Parliament.
Further developments are awaited as both parties respond to the announcement.
