Top News

AAP slams BJP's 'Operation Lotus' as Raghav Chadha and 6 other Rajya Sabha MPs defect to saffron party
ET Online | April 24, 2026 9:57 PM CST

Synopsis

Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh accused the BJP of orchestrating 'Operation Lotus' after seven AAP MPs defected to the saffron party. Raghav Chadha, one of the defecting MPs, stated they chose positive politics over quitting public service, citing a desire to distance themselves from alleged party 'crimes' and exercising constitutional provisions to merge with the BJP.

Listen to this article in summarized format

Loading...
×
AAP leader Sanjay Singh
Aam Admi Party's national spokesperson Sanjay Singh slammed the BJP on Friday after 7 AAP MPs, including Raghav Chadha, defected to the saffron party earlier in the day.

“The Bharatiya Janata Party, under Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, has launched ‘Operation Lotus’, which is being described as a game of cheap politics and an attempt to obstruct the good work of the Bhagwant Mann government in Punjab on a large scale,” AAP MP Sanjay Singh said.

AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh addressed a press meet after two-thirds of AAP MPs in the Rajya Sabha announce their merger with the BJP.


He described it as “cheap politics” and an attempt to obstruct the functioning of the Bhagwant Mann government in Punjab on a large scale.

" "...The BJP has done the work of obstructing the good works done by Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government...7 AAP Rajya Sabha MPs are joining the BJP, the people of Punjab should remember these 7 names. The people of Punjab will never forget them...,"Singh said.

People of Punjab will not forgive the betrayal of Rajya Sabha MPs who quit AAP, Sanjay Singh said, addind that BJP was using ED, CBI to break away AAP MPs, misusing power to run operation lotus.

Raghav Chadha announced his decision to quit the the Aam Aadmi Party while addressing a press conference and is preparing to join the BJP, marking a major political development that could impact AAP’s strength in the Rajya Sabha. The move comes after weeks of tension between Chadha and the party leadership, including his recent removal as AAP’s deputy leader in the Upper House.

Also Read| Raghav Chadha to join BJP along with 2/3rd of AAP Rajya Sabha MPs

Explaining his decision, Chadha said the party had moved away from its original values. “The old AAP is no longer the same AAP,” he said. He described the party as “corrupt and compromised,” and added, “I was a right man in a wrong party.” His remarks reflect a clear break from the organisation where he was once seen as a key leader.

The change follows internal developments earlier this month when Chadha was removed from a leadership role in the Rajya Sabha. This signalled a growing divide within the party and set the stage for his exit.

"...I am telling you the real reason as to why I distanced myself from party activities. I did not want to be a part of their crimes. I was not eligible for their friendship because I was not a part of their crime. We had just two options - either quit politics and give up our public work in the last 15-16 years or we do positive politics with our energy and experience. So, we have decided that we, the 2/3rd members belonging to the AAP in Rajya Sabha, exercise the provisions of the Constitution of India and merge ourselves with the BJP," AAP MP Raghav Chadha said.


READ NEXT
Cancel OK