From Calling BJP ‘Goons’ To Joining Hands: Raghav Chadha’s Viral Political U-Turn
Raghav Chadha’s exit from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and his entry into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have become one of the most talked-about political moves of 2026.
The decision, announced on Friday, is not just significant for its timing but also for its sharp contradiction to Chadha’s past statements.
Almost immediately after the announcement, an old interview clip resurfaced online, where Chadha had openly criticised the BJP, calling it a party that “gives patronage to criminals.”
BJP anpadh gundo ki party hai
– Raghav Chadha pic.twitter.com/Y6GoJYBNCR— Manish Tiwari (@livemanish_) April 24, 2026
The stark contrast between his earlier remarks and his current stance has fueled intense debate across social media and political circles.
Raghav Chadha confirmed that more than two-thirds of AAP’s Rajya Sabha MPs have decided to merge with the BJP.
This number is crucial under India’s anti-defection law, as it allows members to retain their seats without disqualification. Alongside Chadha, MPs such as Ashok Mittal, Sandeep Pathak, Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta, Vikram Sahney, and Swati Maliwal are reportedly part of this move.
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The timing of the decision is equally significant. Just days before the merger, Chadha was removed as AAP’s deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, amid allegations of being inactive on key issues and maintaining a “soft stance” toward the ruling government.
This internal friction appears to have accelerated his departure.
Addressing the media, Chadha did not hold back in criticising his former party.
He stated that AAP had “deviated from its principles” and was no longer working in the national interest. Calling his journey with the party emotionally taxing, he said he felt like “the right man in the wrong party.”
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He further added that he chose to distance himself because he did not want to be associated with what he termed the party’s “wrongdoings.” According to him, the choice was between quitting politics altogether or continuing public service under a different political platform.
Starting as one of AAP’s youngest and most articulate faces, he quickly rose through the ranks in Indian politics.
From being a national spokesperson to serving as an MLA from Rajinder Nagar and later becoming one of the youngest Rajya Sabha MPs, Chadha was seen as a key pillar of AAP’s future leadership.
He played a crucial role in AAP’s expansion beyond Delhi, particularly in Punjab, where the party achieved a historic electoral victory. His administrative roles, including his tenure as Vice Chairman of the Delhi Jal Board, further cemented his reputation as a capable leader.
From allegations related to policy decisions to disputes within the party, he has also found himself at the centre of heated debates.
One of the most prominent episodes was his alleged mention in the Enforcement Directorate’s supplementary chargesheet related to the Delhi liquor policy case in 2023.
Although Chadha strongly denied any wrongdoing and dismissed the reports as politically motivated, the controversy lingered in public discourse.
Around the same time, he faced a major setback in Parliament when he was suspended from the Rajya Sabha after accusations that he had included the names of fellow MPs in a proposal without their consent.
The incident was termed a serious violation of parliamentary rules and significantly dented his image as a disciplined legislator.
Further controversies emerged from within his own party ranks.
In Punjab, a fellow AAP leader accused Chadha of maintaining close associations with certain police officials allegedly linked to the drug trade, an allegation that sparked a major political storm.
While no conclusive evidence surfaced, the episode intensified internal tensions and contributed to the growing mistrust surrounding him. In the months leading up to his exit, reports of internal discord became more frequent, with party members questioning his commitment and accusing him of prioritising personal image over collective responsibility.
Now, standing alongside the BJP, Chadha has taken a completely different tone. Announcing his exit from AAP, he justified his decision by claiming that the party had drifted away from its core values and was no longer aligned with national interest.
He described himself as someone who had been “in the wrong party” for a long time and suggested that his move was driven by the need to continue public service in a more meaningful way.
