In a significant political upheaval, Arvind Kejriwal, leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has been dealt a major blow as several prominent party members, including Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal, defected to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The move, described by some as a 'Judas kiss,' comes after Mittal had hosted Kejriwal and his family at his official Delhi residence for over a year following Kejriwal’s release on bail. The defections highlight growing internal tensions within AAP and mark a critical moment for the party in the national political landscape, raising questions about loyalty and stability.

What Happened?

The political drama unfolded recently when Ashok Mittal, a Rajya Sabha MP, announced his resignation from the Aam Aadmi Party and his subsequent joining of the BJP. This defection was particularly striking given that Mittal had provided lodging to Kejriwal and his family at his 5 Ferozeshah Road residence in Delhi for a considerable period. Kejriwal had resided there for a little over a year, moving in shortly after he resigned in 2024 and was released on bail in connection with the excise policy case. The former Chief Minister relocated to a type-VII government bungalow in Lodhi Estate on April 24, a residence allotted to him as the head of a national party. Just hours after Kejriwal’s move, Mittal’s unexpected departure from AAP sent shockwaves through the party.

Mittal was not alone in his decision to switch allegiance. Along with him, five other Rajya Sabha MPs — Raghav Chadha, Swati Maliwal, Harbhajan Singh, Sandeep Pathak, Rajinder Gupta, and Vikram Sahney — also resigned from AAP and joined the BJP. This mass exodus suggests deeper issues brewing within the party. Raghav Chadha’s departure, in particular, followed a period of apparent discord, as he had been sacked as the party’s deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha on April 2, with Ashok Mittal appointed in his place. Sources close to Chadha indicated that the party leadership aimed to 'silence him', suggesting a breakdown in communication and trust.

The inclusion of Swati Maliwal's name among the defectors was also anticipated by many observers. Her relationship with the Aam Aadmi Party had deteriorated significantly in May 2024 following serious allegations. Maliwal accused Bibhav Kumar, a key aide to Chief Minister Kejriwal, of assaulting her at the Chief Minister's residence. This incident had already created a rift, making her departure less of a surprise. Reports had also circulated about growing tensions and differences with the party leadership over various policy issues and internal management, painting a picture of a party struggling with cohesion before these high-profile resignations.

Key Highlights

Ashok Mittal, a Rajya Sabha MP, resigned from the Aam Aadmi Party and joined the BJP.
Six other prominent AAP Rajya Sabha MPs, including Raghav Chadha and Swati Maliwal, also defected to the BJP.
Mittal had hosted Arvind Kejriwal and his family at his Delhi official residence for over a year.
Kejriwal moved out of Mittal's house on April 24, just hours before the defections were announced.
Raghav Chadha was removed from his post as AAP's Rajya Sabha Deputy Leader on April 2.
Swati Maliwal's strained relationship with AAP stemmed from her assault allegations against Kejriwal's aide in May 2024.
Kejriwal had reportedly offered future election tickets to disgruntled MPs who might consider resigning.

Why Does This Matter?

This wave of defections carries substantial implications for the Aam Aadmi Party and its future trajectory in Indian politics. The loss of seven Rajya Sabha MPs, including key figures like Ashok Mittal and Raghav Chadha, weakens the party’s representation and influence in the upper house of Parliament. Such a mass exodus, particularly involving long-standing members, raises serious questions about the party’s internal unity, leadership stability, and its ability to retain its cadre. For the common person, this could erode trust in political parties, seeing leaders switch affiliations, potentially driven by personal grievances or political gain rather than ideological commitment, thereby impacting the perceived integrity of democratic institutions.

Furthermore, the timing of these defections is crucial, potentially impacting upcoming elections and the broader political narrative in Delhi and beyond. The BJP's gain of these MPs strengthens its position and could be leveraged to highlight disarray within the opposition, while AAP will need to work hard to re-establish its image of internal solidarity. This event serves as a stark reminder of the fluid nature of political loyalties and the constant strategic maneuvering that defines modern Indian politics, directly influencing the choices available to voters and the effectiveness of governance. The public will be closely watching how these shifts affect policy decisions and the overall political stability in the capital and at the national level.