Former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha is reportedly among the frontrunners for a ministerial position in the Narendra Modi-led Union government as the BJP is believed to be considering a Cabinet reshuffle. Alongside Chadha, Ashok Mittal, Chancellor of Lovely Professional University (LPU), and senior BJP leader Tarun Chugh are also being viewed as possible contenders for representation from Punjab.

The speculation comes after the Rajya Sabha tenure of Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu ended on June 21. Under constitutional provisions, a minister who is not a Member of Parliament can continue in office for only six months, meaning Bittu would need to secure parliamentary membership by December or vacate the post. This has triggered discussions over who could represent Punjab in the Union Cabinet if changes are made.

Although there has been no official announcement from the BJP or the Union government, political circles have been abuzz with reports that a Cabinet expansion or reshuffle could take place in the coming days. The speculation gained further momentum after Union Home Minister Amit Shah met President Droupadi Murmu, though the meeting's agenda has not been officially linked to any Cabinet changes.

Raghav Chadha's name has attracted particular attention because of his recent political shift from the Aam Aadmi Party to the Bharatiya Janata Party. Once considered among AAP's most influential leaders in Punjab, Chadha played a key role during the party's sweeping victory in the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, where it secured 92 of the state's 117 Assembly seats.

During the initial years of the Bhagwant Mann-led government, Chadha was widely regarded as one of the party's principal strategists in Punjab. However, relations between him and the AAP leadership reportedly deteriorated over time. His eventual departure from the party marked one of the most significant political developments in Punjab in recent years.

According to reports, Chadha also played an important role in persuading several AAP parliamentarians to join the BJP, strengthening the ruling party's position while weakening its political rival. His organisational experience, communication skills and familiarity with Punjab's political landscape are believed to have enhanced his prospects within the BJP.

Political observers believe appointing Chadha as a Union minister could provide the BJP with a prominent face in Punjab ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. His experience in urban constituencies and his ability to connect with professionals, entrepreneurs and business communities may help the party expand its support base in key cities such as Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar.

At the same time, his elevation could pose challenges for the Aam Aadmi Party. Having once been one of AAP's principal campaigners in Punjab, Chadha's criticism of his former party from a ministerial platform could influence political perceptions and potentially encourage more leaders to switch sides.

However, Chadha is not the only name under consideration. Ashok Mittal, who represents Punjab in the Rajya Sabha and is associated with the education sector through Lovely Professional University, is also viewed as a strong candidate. Senior BJP leader Tarun Chugh, recently nominated to the Rajya Sabha, is another experienced leader whose organisational role within the party makes him a potential choice.

Despite the growing speculation, the BJP has not confirmed any names or indicated the timing of a possible Cabinet reshuffle. Until an official announcement is made, the reports remain political speculation.

If a reshuffle takes place, Punjab's representation in the Union Council of Ministers is expected to be among the key issues closely watched by political observers.

Raghav Chadha Alleges ‘Vendetta’ After AAP Turncoats Join BJP 

Chadha claims he is the “next target” as Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann meets President Murmu, demanding disqualification of seven rebel Rajya Sabha MPs.

A day after seven Aam Aadmi Party MPs formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chadha has alleged a campaign of political retribution from the Punjab government, claiming he is now in their crosshairs.

‘I am their next target’

Addressing reporters after a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday, Chadha accused the Bhagwant Mann-led dispensation of weaponising state agencies to settle scores.

“They have started a dangerous game of revenge with the help of agencies such as the Vigilance Board and the Pollution Board. According to sources, I will be their next target,” Chadha said. He added that threats were being circulated through official state resources on social media, an allegation the Punjab government has not yet responded to.

The clearest sign of escalating tension came when both Chadha and rebel MP Sandeep Pathak met the President in the morning, followed hours later by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann seeking the exact opposite—action against the very same leaders.

Mann seeks disqualification

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, who also met President Murmu later in the day, demanded the immediate cancellation of the rebel MPs’ membership.

“The way the Constitution was violated when seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs claimed they were a different party and merged with the BJP is unconstitutional. We demanded the cancellation of their membership. If the Central government misuses its power in Punjab, we will take action,” Mann told reporters.

Several AAP MLAs from Punjab have travelled to New Delhi in a show of strength, signalling that the party intends to fight the defections legally and politically.

‘Fake FIRs and intimidation’

Chadha alleged that the pressure was not just political but bureaucratic. He claimed that industrialist Rajinder Gupta’s factory had faced punitive action, including having its water supply disconnected, and that former AAP leaders were being hit with fabricated cases.

“We made the President aware of the misuse of Punjab’s state machinery. She has assured us of protection and of upholding the Constitution,” Chadha said.

Sandeep Pathak echoed similar concerns. “We exercised our constitutional right to leave the party. Now, fake FIRs are being filed to threaten us. We are not scared and will fight this legally,” Pathak said, referring to cases he claims were registered by Punjab Police.

A warning to officials

In a remark that drew sharp reactions, Chadha issued a pointed warning to state bureaucrats. “I want to tell Punjab government officers to be cautious, as the present government has only a few years remaining.”

He further alleged that AAP workers, possibly with police help, vandalised former cricketer Harbhajan Singh’s residence by scrawling “deshdrohi” (traitor) outside his home. The cricketer has not yet commented on the incident.

Punjab Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO dismissed the political crossovers as “undemocratic,” adding that the manner in which the seven MPs switched sides was a betrayal of the mandate.

With both sides now taking their battle to the President’s door, the coming days could see legal petitions and potential disqualification proceedings. For now, the political corridor in Delhi is watching how the Rashtrapati Bhavan responds to two opposing demands from the same state.

Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Sunday issued his first video statement after quitting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and joining the BJP, alleging that AAP had turned into a “toxic” political organisation controlled by a few “corrupt and compromised” individuals. Raghav Chadha said the party no longer reflected the principles on which it was founded and claimed internal dissent had been systematically stifled.

In his statement, Raghav Chadha said he had spent 15 years building AAP but could no longer continue in what he described as a hostile political environment. He said the party had stopped functioning as a platform for public service and was now being run for personal gain by a select group of leaders.

Toxic Work Charge

Raghav Chadha alleged that AAP’s internal work culture had become deeply restrictive, with leaders being prevented from speaking in Parliament and discouraged from functioning independently. He said the work environment had become so toxic that meaningful political engagement was no longer possible.

According to Raghav Chadha, the party leadership had increasingly sidelined those who raised concerns or sought reform. He said the atmosphere within the organisation had become comparable to a workplace where employees were routinely silenced and their work suppressed.

Three Options Before Him

Explaining his decision, Raghav Chadha said he had weighed three options before leaving AAP. The first was to quit politics altogether. The second was to remain in the party and attempt internal reform. The third was to continue in public life through another political platform.

He said he chose the third option and joined the BJP to continue what he called “positive politics”. Raghav Chadha maintained that his move was not personal but political, and aimed at continuing public service with greater institutional support.

Seven MPs Back Move

Raghav Chadha also defended the collective exit of seven Rajya Sabha MPs from AAP, arguing that the scale of the split reflected deeper problems within the party. He said one or two leaders could be dismissed as dissenters, but seven MPs leaving together could not be ignored.

The Rajya Sabha has since approved the merger of seven former AAP MPs with the BJP. With this, Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal, Vikramjit Sahney, Harbhajan Singh, Sandeep Pathak, Swati Maliwal and Rajinder Gupta now stand officially recognised as BJP members in the Upper House. The development has raised the BJP’s tally in the Rajya Sabha to 113.

AAP Pushes Back

AAP has strongly contested the exits and the merger process. Party leaders have accused the MPs of political betrayal and indicated they would challenge the move through parliamentary procedure.

Senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh has said the party will seek disqualification proceedings by writing to the Rajya Sabha Chairman, arguing that only three MPs had formally joined the BJP at the initial stage. In Punjab, protests have been reported outside the homes of some of the MPs who left AAP, with demonstrators accusing them of betraying the party mandate.

Political Fallout Widens

The fallout has triggered a wider political confrontation between AAP and BJP, especially in Punjab and Delhi, where the party had built much of its support base. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has also sought time from President Droupadi Murmu over the matter and is expected to raise concerns linked to defections and political accountability.

The split marks one of the biggest internal ruptures in AAP since its formation and is likely to reshape its parliamentary strength and political messaging ahead of key electoral contests.

What Happens Next

The next phase will likely centre on legal and procedural scrutiny of the Rajya Sabha merger, along with AAP’s political response on the ground. Party leaders are expected to intensify outreach to contain organisational damage, while the BJP is likely to project the move as a sign of growing national support.

For Raghav Chadha, the immediate challenge will be to justify the shift politically and retain credibility among voters who backed him as an AAP leader.

The political standoff between Saurabh Bhardwaj and Raghav Chadha has intensified into one of the sharpest internal confrontations seen in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), with the dispute now spilling beyond ideology into personal attacks. The latest flashpoint came after Bhardwaj accused Chadha of using the party’s political platform for personal advancement, including claiming that his marriage to actor Parineeti Chopra became possible only because he was made a Rajya Sabha MP.

The remarks mark a sharp escalation in the ongoing feud that began after Raghav Chadha publicly distanced himself from AAP and criticised the party’s internal functioning. The exchange has quickly become a major India News Update, drawing attention across political and social circles.

Chadha Breaks Silence

Raghav Chadha on Monday broke his silence through a video statement, defending his decision to part ways with the party he had served for over a decade. He said he had left behind a chartered accountancy career to help build AAP and spent 15 years working for the organisation.

In his statement, Chadha described the party’s internal environment as “toxic” and alleged that AAP had drifted away from its founding principles. He claimed the organisation had come under the influence of “corrupt elements” and said remaining in such a setup was no longer possible.

Chadha compared his decision to leaving a workplace where the environment had become unworkable, arguing that changing course was necessary when institutional values begin to erode.

Bhardwaj Hits Back

Saurabh Bhardwaj responded with a direct and aggressive rebuttal, rejecting Chadha’s comparison between politics and a corporate workplace. He said politics was rooted in ideology and public accountability, not professional convenience.

Bhardwaj accused Chadha of betraying the party that gave him political recognition and alleged that his exit was part of a larger effort to weaken AAP from within. According to party leaders, Chadha’s move has triggered concern within the organisation over possible defections and political realignment.

In his strongest remark, Bhardwaj said Chadha’s political relevance and social visibility were built entirely through AAP, adding that even his marriage had been made possible because of the stature he gained as a Rajya Sabha member.

Marriage Remark Sparks Debate

Bhardwaj’s comments on Chadha’s marriage to Parineeti Chopra have drawn immediate political and social attention. The couple married in September 2023 in a high-profile ceremony that had attracted wide public and media coverage.

The reference to Chadha’s personal life has widened the controversy, with critics questioning whether private relationships should be dragged into political disputes. The remark has also triggered fresh debate on social media, where supporters and critics of both leaders have sharply reacted.

As per reports, the personal nature of the attack has made the fallout more politically sensitive, especially for a party that has often projected itself as distinct from conventional personality-driven politics.

Crisis Inside AAP

The public fallout reflects a deeper internal crisis within AAP, which is facing one of its most serious organisational challenges since its rise as a national political force. The current conflict appears to stem from both ideological disagreements and leadership distrust.

Party insiders indicated that Chadha’s criticism has been viewed by sections of the leadership as more than a resignation, with some interpreting it as an attempt to damage the party’s internal cohesion. AAP leaders have also alleged that Chadha was working to destabilise the organisation at a critical political moment. That charge has not been independently verified, but it has become central to the party’s public response.

Political Stakes Rise

The escalating feud comes at a sensitive time for AAP, which is trying to retain its national relevance amid pressure from both the BJP and Congress. A prolonged public split could affect cadre morale, voter confidence and the party’s ability to maintain a coherent national message.

For Chadha, the fallout also carries political risk. Once seen as one of AAP’s most visible national faces, his public break with the party has now turned into a credibility battle over loyalty, ambition and political intent.

The AAP MPs defection row sharpened on Sunday after Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh formally wrote to Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan, seeking the disqualification of seven party MPs. In his petition, Singh alleged that the lawmakers had chosen to join the Bharatiya Janata Party and had, therefore, attracted provisions of the anti-defection law.

According to party sources, the complaint names Raghav Chadha among the seven MPs and argues that their move amounts to a clear case of defection under constitutional provisions.

Anti-Defection Law Cited

In his representation, Singh invoked the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which deals with disqualification on grounds of defection. He argued that the MPs could not claim legal protection merely by citing numbers or internal alignment, and said the reported shift violated the constitutional framework governing party loyalty in Parliament.

The anti-defection law disqualifies legislators if they voluntarily give up membership of their party or vote against the party line without authorisation. Singh maintained that the present case fell squarely within that framework.

Legal Opinion Taken

Sanjay Singh said the party had consulted senior legal and constitutional experts before moving the petition. He said opinions were taken from senior advocate Kapil Sibal and former parliamentary officials to assess the legal position before approaching the Chairman.

According to Singh, the legal advice received by the party was consistent and pointed to disqualification as the likely constitutional outcome if the allegations were established.

AAP Signals Legal Fight

The AAP leadership has indicated that it plans to contest the matter both politically and legally. Singh said the party would pursue the issue aggressively and would not treat it as a routine political disagreement.

He described the alleged move by the seven MPs as unconstitutional and said the party would challenge it through all available institutional channels. He also indicated that AAP was prepared to escalate the matter beyond Parliament if required.

Supreme Court Precedents

Singh said AAP would rely not only on the anti-defection law but also on past Supreme Court rulings that have interpreted the scope of defections and party mergers. He said earlier judgments had laid down clear principles on legislative conduct, party discipline and constitutional morality.

Legal observers note that the outcome could depend on whether the Chairman views the reported move as an individual defection or a legally sustainable split or merger under the Tenth Schedule.

Political Stakes Rise

The development has added a fresh layer of tension to the ongoing political contest between AAP and the BJP. With the matter now placed before the Rajya Sabha Chairman, the dispute has moved from political messaging to a constitutional test with wider implications.

The case may also trigger a broader debate over the use of anti-defection provisions in the Upper House, where party discipline and political realignment often create legal grey areas.

Raghav Chadha Quits AAP, Joins BJP

Big Resignation Announcement

Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Friday, April 24, announced his resignation from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Addressing a press conference in Delhi, he confirmed he was joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The move comes barely three weeks after AAP removed him as deputy leader of the party’s Rajya Sabha MPs.

Two-Thirds MPs Merging

Chadha claimed that AAP had moved away from its founding principles. “The party now works for personal interests, not national welfare,” he said. He further stated that two-thirds of AAP’s 10 Rajya Sabha MPs — seven in total — were merging with him. The names he listed included Sandeep Pathak, Rajendra Gupta, Vikram Sahni, Swati Maliwal, Harbhajan Singh, Ashok Mittal, and himself.

Ashok Mittal Quits After ED Raids

Sources indicated that Ashok Mittal, the newly appointed deputy leader of AAP in Rajya Sabha, walked out of the party on the 10th day after the Enforcement Directorate conducted raids linked to a funding matter. Mittal, also Vice-Chancellor of Lovely Professional University, could not be reached for an immediate comment.

Praise for PM Modi

Chadha praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He said the central government had taken strong decisions on terrorism and the economy, which earlier leaders hesitated to make. “I feel privileged to work under PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah,” Chadha added. He assured that he would continue raising public issues with the same energy as before.

Kejriwal Reacts

Delhi’s former chief minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal has not yet issued a formal statement. However, party insiders said Kejriwal was assessing the damage. AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh alleged an “Operation Lotus” against the Bhagwant Mann government in Punjab. “Dirty games will not be forgiven by the people of Punjab,” Singh said.

What Led to the Split

On April 2, AAP removed Chadha as deputy leader of the party’s Rajya Sabha MPs. A letter to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat said Chadha should no longer get speaking time under the party quota. The next day, Chadha released a video saying, “I have been silenced, not defeated.” He compared himself to a river turning into a flood when the time comes.

What Next for AAP

With seven MPs reportedly leaving, AAP’s strength in the upper house could shrink drastically. The BJP leadership has not officially confirmed the merger. Political analysts tracking this India News Update say the development could impact AAP’s national expansion plans. The party currently governs Punjab and holds significant presence in Delhi. All eyes are now on the Rajya Sabha Chairman’s office for any formal communication on the change in party affiliations.