BJP Rajya Sabha Seats Jump to 113 as Seven AAP MPs Merge with Party

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strengthened its position in the Rajya Sabha with its numbers rising to 113 after seven Members of Parliament from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) merged with it, reducing AAP's strength in the Upper House to just three seats.

The development, reported widely on Tuesday, marks a notable shift in the composition of the Rajya Sabha, where the BJP-led NDA has further consolidated its influence. According to initial reports citing PTI, the move comes amid ongoing political realignments at the national level.

Major Shift in Upper House

The merger has directly added seven seats to the BJP’s tally in the Rajya Sabha. Party officials indicated that the seven AAP MPs formally joined the BJP, triggering an immediate change in the seat matrix of the house.

Prior to this development, the BJP held 106 seats in the Rajya Sabha. With the addition of the seven members, its strength has now gone up to 113. On the other hand, the AAP, which had 10 seats, has seen its numbers drop sharply to three.

This change reflects the fluid nature of alliances and individual political decisions in Indian politics, especially ahead of key legislative sessions and state-level developments.

Background of the Development

The Aam Aadmi Party, which rose to prominence on the back of anti-corruption politics and governance promises in Delhi and Punjab, has been facing internal and external pressures in recent times. Sources familiar with the matter suggested that differences over strategy and future political direction may have prompted some of its Rajya Sabha members to explore options outside the party.

While the exact reasons behind the decision of the seven MPs remain under discussion, such cross-party movements are not uncommon in the Rajya Sabha, where members often serve six-year terms and party loyalties can shift based on larger political calculations.

The BJP, which already enjoys a dominant position in the Lok Sabha, has been steadily expanding its footprint in the Upper House through a combination of electoral successes in various states and strategic adjustments.

Impact on Rajya Sabha Functioning

With its strength now at 113, the BJP is better positioned to navigate legislative business in the Rajya Sabha, where it previously relied more heavily on support from allies and nominated members. The increase brings it closer to a more comfortable majority threshold on critical bills.

For the AAP, the loss of seven seats represents a significant setback in its national parliamentary presence. The party, which had used the Rajya Sabha platform to raise issues related to governance in Delhi and Punjab, will now have limited numbers to push its agenda independently.

Political observers noted that such mergers often signal broader trends in opposition unity or fragmentation, depending on the prevailing political climate.

Reactions and Political Context

Though official statements from top leaders of both parties were still awaited at the time of filing this report, the visual representation shared across social media platforms highlighted the numerical shift clearly — with the BJP side showing a green upward arrow for an increase of seven seats and the AAP side reflecting a red downward arrow indicating the corresponding decline.

The development comes at a time when several state assemblies are witnessing political churn, and parties are recalibrating their strategies for upcoming electoral battles and legislative priorities.

In the national capital, where AAP continues to govern Delhi, the implications of this parliamentary shift may also be watched closely by local political circles.

What Lies Ahead

The changed composition of the Rajya Sabha is likely to influence the pace and direction of legislative debates in the coming sessions. Analysts suggest that the BJP may find it easier to build consensus on key reform-oriented bills, while smaller parties and the remaining opposition will need to explore fresh alliances to make their voices heard.

Further clarity is expected once the Rajya Sabha Secretariat formally notifies the change in party affiliations. Party sources indicated that the process of merger is being completed as per established parliamentary procedures.

This latest development underscores the dynamic character of Indian parliamentary politics, where numerical strengths in both Houses continue to evolve through elections, bypolls, and occasional realignments.

As the dust settles on this merger, attention will now shift to how both the BJP and the AAP reposition themselves in the national political landscape in the months ahead.

After Exit, AAP Workers Label Ex-Strategist ‘Traitor’ in Mungeli  

Following Sandeep Pathak’s switch to BJP with six other RS MPs, Chhattisgarh AAP workers protested outside his family home in Lormi, calling the former ‘think tank’ a ‘septic tank’.

Lormi (Mungeli): A political switch that played out in New Delhi sparked an angry, ground-level reaction nearly 1,200 kilometres away in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur district on Monday.

Close to a dozen Aam Aadmi Party workers gathered outside the ancestral home of Sandeep Pathak in the Bataha village of Lormi. The protest began shortly after noon, with slogans against the former Rajya Sabha MP who joined the BJP over the weekend.

The most visible act of anger, however, was scrawled on an outer wall of the family property. Using black ink, protesters wrote ‘Gaddar’ (traitor) in Devanagari script. Local police said they are aware of the incident but no formal complaint has been filed yet.

‘Think Tank’ vs ‘Septic Tank’

The protest was more than just an expression of anger. The party’s official X handle posted images from the site, adding a sharp, rhetorical twist.

“Jise ‘Think Tank’ samjha, wo ‘Septic Tank’ nikla,” the post read—a phrase that quickly began circulating on political WhatsApp groups in Raipur.

The choice of words was deliberate. Until last week, Pathak was considered the principal electoral architect behind AAP’s 2022 Punjab victory and the man tasked with expanding the party’s footprint in Chhattisgarh and Gujarat.

A Chhattisgarh Son Who Went National

For AAP workers in Mungeli, the exit is personal. Pathak, born in 1979 to a farmer in Bataha, is a local who made it global—from a village school in Lormi to a PhD from Cambridge.

His political rise was rapid. After joining AAP in 2016, he became the national general secretary and was appointed the party’s in-charge for Chhattisgarh roughly a year ago. His job was to build an organisation from scratch in a state where the BJP and Congress have historically dominated.

“He understood the caste equations of this region. He spoke our language,” said one protester who declined to be named. “That’s why it hurts more.”

Why His Exit Shakes AAP in Chhattisgarh

Pathak wasn’t just another name on the list of seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs who defected to the BJP. He was the system-builder.

Sources familiar with the party’s internal workings said Pathak focused heavily on booth-level structures—a tedious but critical element for any election-winning machinery. His departure leaves a vacuum in AAP’s organisational framework in at least three states.

Initial reports from party circles in Raipur suggest that local cadres now feel adrift. The protest in Lormi was as much about public shaming as it was about signalling internal frustration.

What Next for the Local Cadre?

The immediate impact is being felt at the ground level. AAP has a limited but visible presence in parts of Bilaspur and Durg, largely built around youth and disgruntled Congress voters.

With Pathak gone, the party’s stated ambition to contest the next assembly elections in Chhattisgarh appears uncertain. No replacement as state in-charge has been announced yet.

For the workers who gathered in Lormi on Monday afternoon, the immediate task was symbolic. But political observers in Raipur note that replacing the man who was both the face and the brain of AAP’s expansion in the Hindi heartland will not be easy.

Kejriwal Argues Recusal Plea in Delhi HC in Excise Policy Case AAP chief appears in person before Justice Sharma's bench, demands judge step aside from liquor scam hearing

Kejriwal Reaches High Court

AAP national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal arrived at the Delhi High Court on Monday morning, accompanied by his wife Sunita Kejriwal, to personally argue a recusal application against Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma in the excise policy case. Kejriwal filed an application calling for the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, requesting her not to hear the matter.

The development marks a rare instance of a former chief minister choosing to argue his own case in court.

What the Recusal Plea Says

The application has been filed by Kejriwal in person, and he argued the same himself before Justice Sharma. The petition contended that the refusal to transfer the case gives rise to a "grave, bona fide and reasonable apprehension" regarding the fairness and impartiality of the proceedings.

Kejriwal claimed that his apprehension was based on Justice Sharma's past conduct, saying that on the very first day of the CBI's revision petition against his discharge, she proceeded to record a prima facie view that the trial court's detailed order was "erroneous", even without hearing the other side.

The CBI's Position

Appearing for the CBI, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that all respondents had been duly served and argued that the case did not require detailed replies or rejoinders, stating that the High Court only needed to examine the trial court record and the discharge order.

The CBI has contended before the Delhi High Court that the discharge order was "perverse" and tantamount to an acquittal without trial, alleging that the policy was manipulated to benefit certain private liquor entities in exchange for alleged bribes.

Background of the Case

The trial court's order on February 27, 2026, discharged Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and 21 others, concluding that the CBI's material did not disclose even a prima facie case. The court had also severely criticised the agency's investigation.

On March 9, 2026, Justice Sharma issued notice in the CBI's appeal and observed that the trial court's order was "prima facie erroneous." She also stayed the trial court's directive for departmental action against the investigating officer.

Failed Bid for Bench Transfer

Kejriwal and others had written to Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Upadhyaya requesting that the matter be transferred to another bench rather than the single bench of Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma. The HC declined the request.

The Chief Justice clarified that the matter had been assigned as per the roster and observed that any recusal decision must be taken by the concerned judge herself.

Supreme Court Also Approached

Kejriwal, Sisodia, and other accused have also approached the Supreme Court seeking transfer of the proceedings from Justice Sharma's bench. The petitions, filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, raise concerns over certain observations allegedly made by the judge during earlier hearings, particularly while dealing with bail applications in the same case.

Kejriwal also stated that Justice Sharma had earlier refused bail to many accused in the liquor policy case, and the Supreme Court had later granted them relief.

Political Stakes and What Comes Next

The case had become politically controversial, as Kejriwal was arrested and remanded to custody amid the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He was later granted bail by the Supreme Court after 156 days of custody. AAP leader Manish Sisodia also spent 530 days in custody in the case.

The Delhi High Court has also issued notice to Kejriwal on a separate ED plea challenging his acquittal in cases concerning alleged non-compliance with PMLA summons, with further hearings scheduled for April 29. Whether Justice Sharma decides to recuse herself or continues to preside over the matter will now set the course for all pending hearings in the excise policy case, which remains one of the most closely watched legal battles in Indian politics today.

The Delhi High Court's Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya on Sunday, March 15 declined former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's request to transfer the CBI's appeal against his discharge in the Delhi excise policy case from the bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma to another judge. In a written communication on the administrative side, the Chief Justice stated that the matter had been assigned to Justice Sharma in accordance with the existing court roster, and there was no ground to order a transfer.

Background: Trial Court Discharge and CBI's Challenge

On February 27, 2026, a Special CBI Court at Rouse Avenue discharged Kejriwal, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, and 21 other accused persons in the Delhi excise policy case — delivering a sharply worded indictment of the CBI's investigation, calling the agency's case wholly unable to survive judicial scrutiny. The trial court found no overarching conspiracy and held that the excise policy had been formulated through a proper consultative and deliberative process.

Kejriwal, who had spent six months in jail in connection with the case, broke down after the verdict and described the corruption charges against him as the biggest political conspiracy in the history of independent India.

The CBI immediately challenged the discharge order before the Delhi High Court, filing a revision petition arguing that the trial court's order was perverse and effectively amounted to an acquittal before trial. The petition was assigned to Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma's bench.

March 9 Hearing Triggers Bias Concerns

At the first hearing of the CBI's revision petition on March 9, Justice Sharma issued notice to Kejriwal, Sisodia, and all 21 other accused. The bench stayed the trial court's directions that had called for departmental proceedings against the CBI's investigating officer. Justice Sharma also recorded a prima facie observation that certain findings in the trial court's discharge order appeared to be erroneous. Additionally, the bench directed the trial court hearing the connected Enforcement Directorate case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act to defer its proceedings pending the High Court's decision on the CBI petition — even though the ED had not been made a party to the CBI revision petition and had not sought that relief.

These developments prompted Kejriwal to file a formal representation on March 11 before Chief Justice Upadhyaya seeking an administrative transfer of the case.

Kejriwal's Case for Transfer

In his representation, Kejriwal argued that he had a genuine, serious, and reasonable apprehension that the matter would not receive a hearing marked by complete impartiality and neutrality before Justice Sharma's bench. He pointed to multiple grounds for this concern.

Kejriwal argued that Justice Sharma had previously heard several matters arising from the same excise policy investigation and had recorded detailed prima facie observations on the same core facts and roles of the accused — observations that would now be central to the CBI's revision petition as well. He highlighted that multiple orders passed by Justice Sharma's bench in those earlier excise-related matters had subsequently been set aside by the Supreme Court, with the apex court granting relief to the accused persons in three matters and referring a fourth to a larger bench.

He also objected to the fact that during the March 9 hearing, the court had intervened on behalf of the ED — directing deferral of PMLA proceedings — without the ED being a party before it, without any such prayer from the CBI, and without hearing the discharged accused. He contended that granting only one week to respond in a case involving voluminous records spanning five charge sheets and 23 accused persons further reflected a predisposition toward speed that disadvantaged the respondents.

"Justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done," his representation stated, adding that the concern raised was institutional rather than personal.

Chief Justice's Response

Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, in his written communication declining the request, stated clearly that the matter was assigned to Justice Sharma as per the current roster, that he found no reason to order a transfer on the administrative side, and that if any question of recusal arose, that decision rested solely with Justice Sharma herself as the judge hearing the matter.

"The petition is assigned to the Hon'ble Judge as per the current roster. Any call of recusal has to be taken by the Hon'ble Judge. I, however, do not find any reason to transfer the petition by passing an order on the administrative side," the Chief Justice stated.

What Happens Next

The CBI's revision petition is listed for its next hearing before Justice Sharma's bench on March 16 — Monday. The court has already issued notice to all 23 discharged accused and indicated that certain observations of the trial court prima facie appeared erroneous and required consideration. The direction to defer proceedings in the connected ED-PMLA case also remains in force until the revision petition is decided.

Manish Sisodia, who spent two years in jail in connection with the case before being granted bail, had separately filed his own representation before the Chief Justice seeking the same transfer — a request that stands equally declined by Sunday's communication.

In a dramatic turn of events that sent shockwaves through the political landscape of the national capital, a Delhi court on Friday acquitted former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his former deputy Manish Sisodia in the high-profile corruption case linked to the now-defunct Delhi excise policy. The Rouse Avenue Court discharged all 23 accused in the case, handing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) a massive legal and political victory while triggering an immediate promise of appeal from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

As the verdict was pronounced, the courtroom atmosphere shifted from tense anticipation to jubilation for AAP supporters. But it was the sight of a visibly emotional Arvind Kejriwal outside the courtroom that became the defining image of the day.

'I am Kattar Imaandar': Kejriwal Breaks Down

Fighting back tears while addressing the media huddle outside the court, a choked-up Arvind Kejriwal struggled to maintain his composure as he hit out at the central government. "For the past few years, the BJP has been levelling accusations against us. Today, the court dismissed all charges. I am deeply grateful to the judge who gave us justice. Truth has prevailed," he said, his voice cracking with emotion.

In a moment that resonated with party workers, Kejriwal declared his integrity in no uncertain terms. "I am kattar imaandar (extremely honest). Modi and Amit Shah together hatched the biggest political conspiracy in independent India. Five of AAP's most prominent leaders were jailed to destroy the party. A sitting Chief Minister was dragged from his home and imprisoned for six months," he added as tears streamed down his face.

Manish Sisodia, who spent nearly two years in judicial custody, echoed the sentiment. "The country has seen how central agencies were misused. We knocked on the doors of the court, and the court has protected us," Sisodia said after the verdict.

 'No Overarching Conspiracy': What the Court Said

Special Judge Jitendra Singh, while passing the order closing the case initiated by the CBI, made observations that pulled up the investigating agency. The court ruled that there was "no overarching conspiracy or criminal intent in the excise policy."

In a sharp rebuke to the probe agency, the court directed a departmental inquiry against specific CBI officials. The judge criticized the agency for building its case primarily through approver statements, calling the practice a "grave violation of Constitutional principles."

"The conduct where an accused is granted pardon and then made an approver, his statements used to fill the gaps in the investigation and make additional people accused, is wrong," the court observed, effectively dismantling the core of the prosecution's case.

The Political Fallout: Celebrations and Challenges

As news of the acquittal spread, celebrations erupted outside Kejriwal's residence and at AAP offices across the country. Party workers burst crackers, distributed sweets, and chanted slogans hailing the "victory of truth."

Sunita Kejriwal, the former CM's wife, posted on X: "In this world, no matter how powerful one becomes, one cannot rise above Shiva Shakti. Truth always prevails." Former Delhi CM Atishi added, "No matter how many false accusations are made, no matter how much oppression is carried out, in the end, truth prevails."

However, the legal battle is far from over. CBI sources confirmed that the agency will immediately move the Delhi High Court challenging the trial court's order. A CBI spokesperson stated that key aspects of the investigation were not adequately considered and that the evidence collected during the probe had established key elements of the alleged irregularities.

BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya was quick to point out that the verdict came from a lower court on technical grounds. "The legal process is not over yet. If Kejriwal was honest, why was the policy withdrawn after signs of irregularities?" he questioned.

What Was the Liquor Policy Case?

The case dates back to 2022 when the CBI filed an FIR based on a complaint by then Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. The probe alleged that the 2021-22 Excise Policy was manipulated to enable liquor trade monopolization and cartelization, with AAP leaders allegedly receiving kickbacks.

Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21, 2024, and later by the CBI on June 26. The Supreme Court granted him bail in July 2024 after he spent five months in jail. Friday's verdict now acquits him and 22 others of all charges in the CBI case, though the agency's impending appeal in the High Court means the legal saga continues.

For now, AAP is savoring what it calls a "historic victory," with party MP Sanjay Singh demanding an apology from Prime Minister Modi. As the dust settles on one of the most politically charged cases in recent history, the verdict has reignited debates on the misuse of investigative agencies—a conversation that is far from over.

In a major political development, Arvind Kejriwal acquitted headlines dominated national discourse after the Rouse Avenue Court cleared the former Delhi Chief Minister and 23 others in the high-profile Delhi liquor policy case. The verdict, delivered earlier today, brings significant relief to Kejriwal and senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, who were facing charges in the CBI case.

The court stated that the allegations could not be proven due to lack of concrete evidence. The judgment marks a dramatic turn in one of the most politically charged legal battles in recent years.

Emotional Moments Outside Court

Shortly after the verdict, Kejriwal stepped out of the courtroom visibly emotional. While addressing the media, he broke down and said, “I have earned honesty my entire life. They filed a false case. Today it has been proven that Kejriwal is fiercely honest.”

Standing beside him, Manish Sisodia was seen consoling the former Chief Minister. The two leaders hugged, and Kejriwal’s legal team offered support as cameras captured the emotional moment.

The Rouse Avenue Court verdict quickly became a trending topic across social media platforms, reflecting the case’s national significance.

Grand Welcome at Home

After leaving the court, Kejriwal returned to his residence, where heartfelt scenes unfolded. His wife, Sunita Kejriwal, ran towards him and embraced him warmly. His daughter and son stood nearby as the family shared emotional moments.

Sunita Kejriwal later took to X (formerly Twitter), writing:

“In this world, no matter how powerful one becomes, one cannot rise above Shiva Shakti. Truth always triumphs.”

The family welcomed Kejriwal and Sisodia with flowers, symbolizing both relief and celebration after months of political and legal uncertainty.

AAP Supporters Celebrate Across Delhi

Supporters of the Aam Aadmi Party celebrated the acquittal outside party offices in Delhi. Sweets were distributed, and party workers were seen dancing in joy.

Former Delhi CM Atishi visited Sisodia at his residence, where the two shared an emotional hug. The moment signaled unity within the party following the court’s decision.

Meanwhile, in Telangana, supporters of K. Kavitha—also named in the liquor policy case—celebrated the verdict. Kavitha greeted her supporters with folded hands as festivities broke out.

Why This Verdict Matters Now

The Delhi liquor policy case has been a major flashpoint in Indian politics, shaping narratives around governance, corruption allegations, and federal investigative actions. With elections and political alignments constantly evolving, today’s verdict could influence public perception and party strategies in the coming months.

Political analysts suggest that the acquittal may strengthen AAP’s narrative of political targeting. However, experts caution that legal proceedings in related matters may still shape the broader political landscape.

What’s Next?

While Arvind Kejriwal acquitted is the headline of the day, the political ramifications will unfold over time. For now, the images of a tearful leader embracing his family and party colleagues reflect both personal relief and a significant moment in contemporary Indian politics.

As celebrations continue, the verdict stands as a reminder that in the legal system, evidence remains the cornerstone of justice.