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The resignation of seven Rajya Sabha MPs of Aam Aadmi Party has created a stir in the party. But party insiders believe that one resignation may sting Arvind Kejriwal more than others – and that is the name of Sandeep Pathak. Even though Raghav Chadha has become the face of this rebellion by announcing his joining BJP, Sandeep Pathak's departure has spread deep concern within AAP. The reason for this is Pathak's role, which was that of a calm strategist and reliable organizer of the party. Party leaders had been watching Chadha's rebellious attitude for months and had prepared for his departure, but Pathak's decision came as a big blow to the party.

The strategist whom AAP did not want to lose

Unlike Chadha, who had become one of the most visible national faces of AAP, Pathak worked behind the scenes. After joining the party in 2016, he made his mark as a disciplined organizer who looked after election planning, candidate selection and the expansion of the party at the grassroots level.

Within the party, he was often called the 'political brain' of Kejriwal. A senior leader reportedly admitted, "I could never have imagined that Sandeep would leave AAP, leave alone joining BJP."

Pathak had played a big role in mounting AAP's successful Punjab campaign in 2022. He helped create a data-driven political model that enabled the party to convert public anger into a one-sided electoral victory. His departure means that AAP has lost not just an MP but a leader who understood the internal structure of the party better than anyone.

Political analysts believe that his departure could be more damaging than Chadha's because Pathak knew the party's strategy, electoral system and internal decision-making process.

Why is Pathak's departure a bigger blow than Chadha's?

Chadha's estrangement from the leadership had become well known in the last few months. When he was stripped of key parliamentary responsibilities, many in the party were convinced that separation was possible. But Pathak remained publicly loyal and was still considered part of the core leadership. That is why his resignation has created more uneasiness in the party.

An AAP insider reportedly said that Pathak had been feeling neglected for the past year and believed that his role was becoming increasingly diminished. According to a report, "No one had contacted him in the last one year."

Perhaps this ignorance silently widened this rift so much that it could not be bridged. Since Pathak had close ties with party workers and regional organizers, his departure is being seen not just as a symbolic loss, but as a structural loss that could weaken AAP's ability to prepare for future elections.

Big political challenge before AAP

The timing of Pathak's departure could not be worse for AAP. The party is already under pressure ahead of the important elections in Punjab, Gujarat and Goa. In such a situation, the departure of a big organizer can deepen the uncertainty within the party. With Pathak's move, BJP has also got a leader who understands AAP's electoral methods from within. Analysts say that this information can prove beneficial for BJP in those states where AAP has made its hold.

Although Raghav Chadha remains the main face of this rebellion, many within AAP now believe that the wound of Sandeep Pathak's departure will be deeper. Chadha may have dealt a public blow, but Pathak's departure has exposed a more troubling truth for AAP - that even the party's most trusted figures may no longer have confidence in its future.