In a significant political development on Monday, April 27, 2026, prominent Indian politician Raghav Chadha announced his decision to leave the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Chadha, a founding member of AAP, explained his controversial move in a video statement, detailing his disillusionment with the party he helped establish.
Chadha's Reasons: Toxic Workplace and Corruption Allegations
Chadha, who dedicated 15 years of his career to AAP, stated that the party had fundamentally changed from its original ideals. He described a 'toxic work environment' where individuals were allegedly prevented from performing their duties or speaking freely, even in Parliament. Furthermore, Chadha accused the party of being 'trapped by a few compromised, corrupt members' who prioritize personal gains over national interests.
“Today, this party is no longer the old party,” Chadha asserted in his video. He added that he began to feel like the 'right person in the wrong party,' prompting him to consider his options, including stepping away from politics entirely before ultimately deciding to switch parties.
A Wave of Departures and Public Reaction
Chadha's defection comes amidst a wider exodus from AAP. He highlighted that not just one or two, but seven Members of Parliament (MPs) have chosen to sever ties with the party to join the BJP. These include Ashok Kumar Mittal, Harbhajan Singh, Sandeep Kumar Pathak, Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Swati Maliwal, and Rajinder Gupta.
Chadha emphasized that these departures were not driven by fear but by profound 'disappointment, disenchantment, and disgust' with the party's direction. The announcement has sparked considerable public debate, especially given Chadha's previous vocal criticism of the BJP. His Instagram follower count reportedly dropped by a million within a day of the news, reflecting the dramatic nature of his political shift.
Despite the controversy, Chadha affirmed his commitment to addressing the concerns of the common citizen, promising to continue his advocacy with the same passion he exhibited during his tenure with AAP.