Seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs Merge with BJP, AAP Seeks Disqualification

Seven Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha Members of Parliament (MPs) formally merged with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday, April 24, 2026, a move officially accepted by Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan on Monday, April 27, 2026. This defection significantly reduces AAP's strength in the Upper House, increasing the BJP's tally to 113. Key defectors include Raghav Chadha, Swati Maliwal, and Harbhajan Singh. The AAP has promptly petitioned the Rajya Sabha Chairman for the disqualification of these MPs, citing violations of the anti-defection law. The defecting members allege that the Arvind Kejriwal-led party has strayed from its founding principles. Six of the seven MPs are from Punjab, marking a substantial jolt to AAP in its only ruling state.