Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva shakes welcomes former Aam Aadmi Party MLA Rajesh Gupta to the BJP, in New Delhi NEW DELHI: Former two-time Wazirpur MLA Rajesh Gupta joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday, quitting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on the eve of bypolls in the AAP-run Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Gupta, who was inducted into the BJP by Delhi unit chief Virendra Sachdeva, grew emotional as he urged AAP supremo and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal to introspect on why “many people” have left the party — and why more may do so in the near future.”…I was left with no choice (but to resign). Many others want to leave – I suggest they should and come to a party which is actually working for the nation. A party which would respect and not ‘use and throw’ its workers,” he said at a press conference with Sachdeva.Gupta then began to choke up and received a pat on his back by Sachdeva, who tried to calm down the ex-AAP leader.“I spoke with you (Sachdeva) only yesterday. I am a nobody — a defeated MLA — yet the love and respect you showed me moved me. The party I was in… its chief never spoke to me, never visited my home, never even called. Arvind ji, you will have to introspect on why people are leaving you. We always stood by you, and this is how my loyalty was rewarded,” he added.Delhi AAP president Saurabh Bharadwaj, in a post on X, extended his best wishes to Gupta on joining the BJP. He alleged that Gupta had been seeking an Ashok Vihar ward ticket for his wife and left the party after the request was denied. Gupta, a former MLA, also served as a national spokesperson for the AAP, headed its Karnataka unit, and was a vice-president in the party.(With PTI inputs)About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos“Our Rashtra Built On Culture, Not Clashes”: RSS Chief’s Big Claim On Nationhood“Oppression Will Trigger Jihad”: Jamiat Chief’s Explosive Claim Stirs StormEAM Jaishankar Decodes Massive US China Power Shift And Global Realignment In Sharp Kolkata AddressImran Khan Isolation Sparks Fury As PTI Claims His Photo Could Transform Pak’s Political RealityDelhi Court Extends Anmol Bishnoi’s Custody; NIA Probes Gang-Terror LinksAviation Expert Flags Deadly Risk In A320 Fleet After Critical Control System FailurePakistan Still Licking Op Sindoor Wounds: BSF Warns Next Attack Will Trigger Even Stronger ResponseAfter India’s 8.2% GDP Jump, Piyush Goyal Credits Reforms And Predicts Strong, Sustained ExpansionIMD Issues Red Alert as Cyclone Ditwah Approaches TN; Sri Lanka Deaths Exceed 80Siddaramaiah, DK Shivakumar Project Unity After High-Stakes Karnataka Meet Amid Rumours Of Cong Rift123PhotostoriesKajol to Janhvi Kapoor: Celebrity looks that defined today’s fashion mood board8 air-purifying indoor plants that naturally absorb harmful gasesFrom Dharmendra to Amjad Khan: Remembering the ‘Sholay’ stars who are no longer with usGen Z sensations Aneet Padda & Ahaan Panday serve old-school romance with their viral ‘Saiyaara’ glow-upHyderabad Unveils India’s First Mobile Anti-Drone Vehicle to Boost Security MeasuresIn Pics | Tesla Opens India’s First All-In-One Facility in GurgaonNoida Apple Store Unveiled: India’s Fifth Retail Location with Peacock-Inspired Design at DLF Mall of India7 animals that became space travellers ahead of humansShilpa Shetty yet again serves major fashion goals with her silver saree-jacket comboYour soul temple: 6 powerful temples to visit in India based on personality types123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayNew Labour CodeWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingGiannis AntetokounmpoBo BichetteWWE Smackdown HighlightsDonald TrumpPerez HiltonCyclone DitwahR AshwinAyesha CurryFuzzy ZoellerJammie Booker
NEW DELHI: Former two-time Wazirpur MLA Rajesh Gupta joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday, quitting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on the eve of bypolls in the AAP-run Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Gupta, who was inducted into the BJP by Delhi unit chief Virendra Sachdeva, grew emotional as he urged AAP supremo and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal to introspect on why “many people” have left the party — and why more may do so in the near future.“…I was left with no choice (but to resign). Many others want to leave – I suggest they should and come to a party which is actually working for the nation. A party which would respect and not ‘use and throw’ its workers,” he said at a press conference with Sachdeva.Gupta then began to choke up and received a pat on his back by Sachdeva, who tried to calm down the ex-AAP leader.“I spoke with you (Sachdeva) only yesterday. I am a nobody — a defeated MLA — yet the love and respect you showed me moved me. The party I was in… its chief never spoke to me, never visited my home, never even called. Arvind ji, you will have to introspect on why people are leaving you. We always stood by you, and this is how my loyalty was rewarded,” he added.Delhi AAP president Saurabh Bharadwaj, in a post on X, extended his best wishes to Gupta on joining the BJP. He alleged that Gupta had been seeking an Ashok Vihar ward ticket for his wife and left the party after the request was denied. Gupta, a former MLA, also served as a national spokesperson for the AAP, headed its Karnataka unit, and was a vice-president in the party.(With PTI inputs)
