Arvind Kejriwal's First Reaction After Split In AAP: Slams BJP, Rebel MPs; Makes BIG Statement

New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after seven Rajya Sabha MPs including Raghav Chadha left to join the saffron outfit. Taking to social media, the AAP chief alleged that the rebel MPs and the BJP have harmed the interest of Punjab, which is currently being ruled by his party under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Mann.

"The BJP has betrayed Punjabis once again,"  Kejriwal said in a statement on social media platform X.

Following the loss of power in Delhi, this split within the Aam Aadmi Party—which was currently gearing up for the Punjab Assembly elections—is being regarded as the most severe setback Arvind Kejriwal has faced to date. The majority of the leaders who have quit the party hail from Punjab and held significant roles within the organization. This explains why, in its initial reaction, the party branded these MPs as "traitors to Punjab."

What is the issue?

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has suffered a massive blow. A split has occurred within the party's parliamentary group. Seven out of its ten Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Rajya Sabha have collectively quit the party and merged with the BJP. In addition to Raghav Chadha, Harbhajan Singh, Rajendra Gupta, Vikram Sahney, and Swati Maliwal have also joined the BJP. The biggest shock for AAP is the defection of Ashok Mittal—the very individual who had been appointed as the Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha, replacing Raghav Chadha. Furthermore, Sandeep Pathak—the party's National General Secretary and currently Arvind Kejriwal's chief strategist—has also left the party to join the BJP fold.

It is an undeniable fact that Arvind Kejriwal was once viewed as an alternative to the BJP. This perception was fueled by the belief that Rahul Gandhi is beyond redemption and that the Congress has become entirely beholden to Gandhi family control, with no capable leader emerging… pic.twitter.com/sDK1Ykct7Z

— Lt Col Sushil Singh Sheoran, Veteran (@SushilS27538625) April 24, 2026

Will more MPs leave AAP to join BJP?

While announcing the split within AAP during a press conference, Raghav Chadha stated, "The Aam Aadmi Party currently has 10 MPs in the Rajya Sabha. More than two-thirds of these MPs are standing with us in this initiative. They have signed the necessary documents, and we have submitted letters to the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha." Appearing at the press conference alongside Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal, Chadha confirmed that Harbhajan Singh, Rajendra Gupta, Vikram Sahney, and Swati Maliwal are also joining the BJP along with them. Moreover, he sought to heighten Arvind Kejriwal's anxiety by suggesting that, beyond these seven individuals, several others remain in contact with their group.

Was this move by rebel AAP MPs anticipated?

Among the seven MPs who have quit the Aam Aadmi Party to join the BJP, such a move was already anticipated in the case of three individuals. Reports regarding the growing rift between Raghav Chadha and the AAP leadership had already become public knowledge. When he was removed from the post of Deputy Leader earlier this month, it was widely believed that Chadha could part ways with Kejriwal at any moment. Harbhajan Singh, too, had remained silent regarding party activities for a considerable period. Furthermore, the long-running saga of Swati Maliwal's rebellion was a matter known to all.

Even Arvind Kejriwal himself must be utterly astonished to see two specific names emerge amidst this major rift within the AAP. Ashok Mittal is the very individual whom the party had appointed as Deputy Leader to replace Raghav Chadha. Meanwhile, Sandeep Pathak had recently been touted as Arvind Kejriwal's most trusted strategist; he had been actively working on the party's expansion plans. Reacting to this split within the party, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh stated that he was deeply distressed by these developments. Labeling the departing leaders as "traitors to Punjab," he reminded them of the immense trust Arvind Kejriwal had reposed in them and the significant responsibilities he had entrusted to their care. Regarding Ashok Mittal's defection to the BJP, he pointedly recalled that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had recently conducted raids at his premises.