Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal issued a sharp one-line response to the political jolt delivered byRaghav Chadhaon Friday afternoon, saying on X, “The BJP has once again pushed Punjabis aside.” Minutes earlier, Chadha, along with Ashok Mittal and Sandeep Pathak, announced they would lead seven of AAP’s ten Rajya Sabha MPs in merging with the BJP.

Notably, three Rajya Sabha MPs of the Aam Aadmi Party, including Raghav Chadha, announced their decision to join the BJP. Along with Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal confirmed their move, while Chadha also levelled serious allegations against the party. The development has triggered a sharp reaction from AAP leadership.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh accused the defecting MPs of betraying the people of Punjab. He said he was deeply hurt by the development, adding that a well-functioning government under Bhagwant Mann was being targeted. Singh alleged that central agencies like the ED and CBI were being used against the state government.

Sanjay Singh launched a strong attack on Chadha, stating that leaders who were given opportunities at a young age had now “betrayed” the people of Punjab. He alleged that the BJP was attempting to destabilise the Bhagwant Mann government through rebel MPs from Punjab.

Singh further accused the BJP of running “Operation Lotus” to weaken AAP, claiming that efforts were underway to obstruct the Punjab government’s work. Singh praised the state government’s initiatives, including improving education and providing healthcare coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh for citizens, arguing that such governance was being deliberately targeted.

Chadha was recently removed from the post of deputy leader of the party in the Rajya Sabha and was also restricted from speaking in the House.

On the other hand, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched a sharp attack on the BJP, saying, “BJP cannot win here but they are using all their tricks. They have betrayed Punjabis.” He alleged that the party was using a “washing machine mode” to target AAP leaders, adding, “They used the same tactics on our Rajya Sabha MPs which they did on Sharad Pawar, Congress and others.” Mann further claimed that the BJP lacks a strong base in Punjab, stating, “BJP doesn’t have anything of its own. They don’t have a base in Punjab. They can’t beat us in policy, hence they are breaking our party.”

Targeting the defecting MPs, Mann said, “These seven MPs are traitors. They got ready-made Rajya Sabha seats without any effort. They never had to work, seek votes or raise people’s issues.” He also questioned their future in the BJP, remarking, “They left to save their lives. Nothing will become of them in BJP either.” Taking a broader swipe, he added, “Where are the others who joined BJP? Where is Scindia? Bittu became minister, but he will be dropped once they realise he doesn’t matter to Punjabis,” and concluded, “BJP is not a party of the people but of big leaders.”

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