In a bold display of dissent, AAP activists gathered outside Raghav Chadha’s Mumbai home on Saturday, hurling accusations of betrayal after his jump to the BJP. What began as a vocal rally quickly escalated, prompting police to file FIRs against over eight party figures under stringent legal provisions.
Chants of ‘Gaddar Raghav Chadha’ echoed as protesters vented fury over the mass exodus of seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs, including Chadha, to the ruling BJP. Khar Police detained agitators briefly, restoring order before issuing warnings and pursuing formal complaints via BNS and state police act clauses.
The controversy erupted following the MPs’ collective resignation from AAP, a maneuver that evades the Tenth Schedule’s disqualification clause by exceeding the two-thirds threshold of the party’s 10 upper house members. This strategic bloc defection has preserved their seats, fueling outrage among loyalists.
AAP’s leadership, particularly in Punjab, is reeling. CM Bhagwant Mann plans to apprise President Murmu of the situation, demanding action against the defectors. Chadha’s Punjab roots add a personal sting, amplifying calls for accountability.
Nationally, the episode revives scrutiny of defection laws, with Chadha’s prior support for amendments now under the spotlight. As protests simmer, this schism threatens AAP’s cohesion, raising questions about loyalty in India’s fluid political landscape and the efficacy of existing safeguards against floor-crossing.
