The Rajya Sabha Chairman has accepted the merger of seven MPs led by Raghav Chadha into the Bharatiya Janata Party, significantly boosting its strength in the Upper House. With this move, the BJP’s tally has risen to 113, marking a major political development. The decision confirms that Raghav Chadha joins BJP in a shift that reshapes parliamentary equations.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju announced the development on X, welcoming the MPs into the NDA and criticising the opposition alliance. He praised the leaders for maintaining discipline in Parliament, stating they never engaged in unruly conduct. His remarks reinforced the narrative that Raghav Chadha joins BJP along with members seen as consistent and composed lawmakers.

Who are the seven MPs?

The leaders who switched sides include Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal, Sandeep Pathak, Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Harbhajan Singh, Swati Maliwal, and Rajinder Gupta. Their entry into BJP has strengthened the party’s legislative position. As Raghav Chadha joins BJP, the move is being seen as a strategic gain ahead of key parliamentary sessions.

Impact on AAP’s numbers

The exit has dealt a major blow to the Aam Aadmi Party, reducing its Rajya Sabha presence to just three members. Notably, six of the departing MPs were from Punjab, leaving only Balbir Singh Seechewal as the party’s representative from the state. With Raghav Chadha joins BJP, AAP faces a significant setback in national politics.

Political context behind the move

The merger comes days after Chadha was removed as AAP’s deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha. Reports suggested internal dissatisfaction and differences over parliamentary strategy. As Raghav Chadha joins BJP, the timing has added political weight to the decision, raising questions about shifting alliances.

FAQs

Q: Why did Raghav Chadha join BJP?

A: While no detailed reason was officially stated, the move came after internal differences within AAP and his removal from a key Rajya Sabha post.

Q: How many MPs joined BJP with Raghav Chadha?

A: A total of seven MPs made the switch, strengthening BJP’s numbers in the Rajya Sabha.

Q: How does this affect AAP in Rajya Sabha?

A: The party’s strength has dropped to just three members after the exits.

Q: When did Raghav Chadha joins BJP happen?

A: The merger was formally accepted by the Rajya Sabha Chairman following the announcement on April 24.