Ex-MLA Rajesh Gupta 'wanted MCD bypoll ticket for wife': AAP
29 Nov 2025

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has reacted to the exit of its senior leader and former MLA Rajesh Gupta, who joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) just a day ahead of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) bypolls.

Delhi AAP president Saurabh Bharadwaj said that Gupta left after his demand for a councillor ticket for his wife was denied.

"The party made him contest the MLA election four times, but he could not win," Bharadwaj told ANI.

Gupta's emotional farewell and allegations against AAP
Emotional exit

Gupta, who was also a national spokesperson of the AAP and in charge of its Karnataka unit, joined the BJP in the presence of its Delhi president Virendra Sachdeva.

He alleged that the "biggest reason" behind AAP's decline was treating workers in a "use and throw" manner.

While joining the BJP, Gupta broke down, recalling his contributions to AAP and how he was treated by Arvind Kejriwal.

BJP's criticism of AAP and Gupta's departure
Party criticism

Gupta claimed he was not heard by the party president.

"Despite my years of sincerity, honesty and loyalty, when I raised concerns, the party president wasn't even ready to talk to me.

He also criticized AAP for giving a ticket to someone who had been issued a notice by the party in the Ashok Vihar ward.

Meanwhile, Sachdeva slammed AAP leaders for blaming the BJP government for problems that arose during their 12-year rule.

Delhi BJP president's remarks on AAP leaders
Leadership absence

The Delhi BJP chief said Gupta had carved a niche for himself as a responsible MLA but was not appreciated by Kejriwal.

He also pointed out that Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia are missing from Delhi after losing the Assembly polls.

The chief added that AAP leaders Atishi and Gopal Rai are only making "special appearances" in Delhi while campaigning for the MCD bypolls.