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In a political earthquake that has rattled the corridors of power in Delhi and Punjab, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh and senior leader Raghav Chadha have officially quit the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The “shock move,” which unfolded on Friday, April 24, 2026, saw a total of seven Rajya Sabha MPs—representing two-thirds of AAP’s strength in the Upper House—announce a merger with the saffron party. This defection marks the most significant blow to Arvind Kejriwal’s party since its inception, effectively redrawing the parliamentary map just as the 2026 political season heats up.
“Right Man in the Wrong Party”: The Raghav Chadha Shocker
The exit was spearheaded by Raghav Chadha, once the poster boy of AAP’s national ambitions. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Chadha used a stinging assessment to justify his departure, stating, “Purane AAP wohi AAP nahi rahi” (The old AAP is no longer the same). Invoking cinematic flair with the punchline “Ghayal hoon isliye ghatak hoon” (I am wounded, therefore I am lethal), Chadha alleged that the party had strayed from its founding principles and become “compromised.” The rift had been visible for weeks, especially after Chadha was removed as AAP’s deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha earlier this month.
From Turbanator to Saffron Wave: Harbhajan’s Political Pivot
For Harbhajan Singh, who was nominated to the Rajya Sabha from Punjab in 2022, the move signals a major transition from a low-profile parliamentary stint to a more active role in the BJP’s national strategy. Having shared the dressing room with BJP MP Gautam Gambhir for years, the “Turbanator” now joins a growing list of cricketing legends aligning with the ruling party. His shift is particularly impactful in Punjab, where his national stature and sporting legacy provide the BJP with a powerful voice to challenge the incumbent Bhagwant Mann government.
The Merger Mechanics: Seven MPs Jump Ship
This wasn’t just a solo departure; it was a coordinated “merger” of the legislative group. Alongside Chadha and Singh, other prominent MPs including Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal, Swati Maliwal, Rajinder Gupta, and Vikram Sahney have made the switch. By moving as a group of seven out of ten members, the defectors seek to bypass the anti-defection law by claiming a two-thirds merger. AAP has responded fiercely, with National Spokesperson Sanjay Singh slamming the move as “Operation Lotus” and accusing the leaders of “stabbing Punjab in the back” after being entrusted with significant responsibilities.
What This Means for the Rajya Sabha
The mass exit significantly weakens AAP’s presence in the Upper House while bolstering the BJP’s numbers and influence. For the BJP, acquiring these young and articulate leaders—many of whom were central to AAP’s outreach—represents a massive tactical victory. As the leaders complete their formal joining process today, the focus shifts to whether the AAP leadership can stem further bleeding in its Punjab and Delhi cadres or if this is the start of a wider realignment in Indian politics.