April 25, 2026

A man accused of cheating Rs 1.1 crore escaped from the custody of a Haryana cyber police escort team after allegedly locking the police officers inside a room at a roadside dhaba in UP’s Hardoi district after Friday midnight, prompting local police to launch a search operation and nab the accused about five hours later. The incident came to light on Sunday. The Haryana cyber police team was escorting Manjeet Mahato from Charkhi Dadri to Rae Bareli. After eating at the dhaba, the team and the accused rested in a room. Mahato then allegedly locked the cops in and fled.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSikh Nagar Kirtan In New Zealand Disrupted By Protesters; Mann, Badal Urge Centre To Intervene‘Not Misleading Propaganda’: Bangladesh Responds To India Over Delhi High Commission Protest‘Have To Stay United’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat On Atrocities Against Hindus In BangladeshIndia Rejects Dhaka Media Reports On Protest Outside Bangladesh HC, Flags Attack Against MinoritiesViewing ‘Sangh’ Through the Lens of the BJP Is a Huge Mistake, Says RSS Chief Mohan BhagwatBangladesh Arrests 10 After Brutal Killing of Hindu Youth in Mymensingh“Generation After Generation”: Yunus Vows To Fulfil Sharif Osman Hadi’s Vision And IdealsMassive Crowds Gather in Dhaka for State Funeral of Slain Youth Icon Osman HadiPAK Citizens Criticize “Weak Judiciary” As Imran Khan’s Prison Term Is IncreasedHindu Lynching Sparks Outrage: Shashi Tharoor Warns On Mob Rule, Priyanka Blasts Modi Govt Silence123Photostories5 best oils to apply on the navel: Benefits, uses, and what to know before trying them7 indoor exercises that can strengthen muscles in people above 405 essential tips to stay healthy if you work night shifts5 things one must always donate in temples and whyBenjamin Franklin once said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest”: 5 lessons it teaches studentsWhy your brain does not want you to multitaskBigg Boss Telugu 9: Meet the finalists of the season10 tips for good mental health you should be taking to 20268 life lessons from “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor FranklWorld Saree Day: 5 sarees from Incredible India that put the country on the global fashion map123Hot PicksTom BradyEpstein files releasedTim SaunderGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays DecemberBank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingJosh Allen Luxury Car CollectionRandi MahomesAuston MatthewsPatrick MahomesJeremy Doku and Shireen Doku Net WorthUPPSC LT Grade Teacher ExamPaul Heyman and Marla Heyman Net WorthBengaluru TempeturePM Modi HelicopterRailway Fare Hike

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A man accused of cheating Rs 1.1 crore escaped from the custody of a Haryana cyber police escort team after allegedly locking the police officers inside a room at a roadside dhaba in UP’s Hardoi district after Friday midnight, prompting local police to launch a search operation and nab the accused about five hours later. The incident came to light on Sunday. The Haryana cyber police team was escorting Manjeet Mahato from Charkhi Dadri to Rae Bareli. After eating at the dhaba, the team and the accused rested in a room. Mahato then allegedly locked the cops in and fled.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSikh Nagar Kirtan In New Zealand Disrupted By Protesters; Mann, Badal Urge Centre To Intervene‘Not Misleading Propaganda’: Bangladesh Responds To India Over Delhi High Commission Protest‘Have To Stay United’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat On Atrocities Against Hindus In BangladeshIndia Rejects Dhaka Media Reports On Protest Outside Bangladesh HC, Flags Attack Against MinoritiesViewing ‘Sangh’ Through the Lens of the BJP Is a Huge Mistake, Says RSS Chief Mohan BhagwatBangladesh Arrests 10 After Brutal Killing of Hindu Youth in Mymensingh“Generation After Generation”: Yunus Vows To Fulfil Sharif Osman Hadi’s Vision And IdealsMassive Crowds Gather in Dhaka for State Funeral of Slain Youth Icon Osman HadiPAK Citizens Criticize “Weak Judiciary” As Imran Khan’s Prison Term Is IncreasedHindu Lynching Sparks Outrage: Shashi Tharoor Warns On Mob Rule, Priyanka Blasts Modi Govt Silence123Photostories5 best oils to apply on the navel: Benefits, uses, and what to know before trying them7 indoor exercises that can strengthen muscles in people above 405 essential tips to stay healthy if you work night shifts5 things one must always donate in temples and whyBenjamin Franklin once said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest”: 5 lessons it teaches studentsWhy your brain does not want you to multitaskBigg Boss Telugu 9: Meet the finalists of the season10 tips for good mental health you should be taking to 20268 life lessons from “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor FranklWorld Saree Day: 5 sarees from Incredible India that put the country on the global fashion map123Hot PicksTom BradyEpstein files releasedTim SaunderGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays DecemberBank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingJosh Allen Luxury Car CollectionRandi MahomesAuston MatthewsPatrick MahomesJeremy Doku and Shireen Doku Net WorthUPPSC LT Grade Teacher ExamPaul Heyman and Marla Heyman Net WorthBengaluru TempeturePM Modi HelicopterRailway Fare Hike


Man locks police escort in dhaba, flees; held later

A man accused of cheating Rs 1.1 crore escaped from the custody of a Haryana cyber police escort team after allegedly locking the police officers inside a room at a roadside dhaba in UP’s Hardoi district after Friday midnight, prompting local police to launch a search operation and nab the accused about five hours later. The incident came to light on Sunday. The Haryana cyber police team was escorting Manjeet Mahato from Charkhi Dadri to Rae Bareli. After eating at the dhaba, the team and the accused rested in a room. Mahato then allegedly locked the cops in and fled.



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. SRINAGAR: J&K administration’s move to remove Urdu, previously a mandatory qualification for revenue services, from the newly amended draft recruitment rules has sparked a political row in the Union Territory. The decision comes nearly a year after BJP protested and sought revocation of a govt order that made Urdu a compulsory subject for the naib tehsildar recruitment exam in J&K.PDP termed it a deliberate attempt to sideline and erase Urdu from the region’s administrative framework, even as BJP called it a “course correction”, insisting that any of the five official languages in J&K should be made a criterion for qualifying for revenue services.For generations, Urdu been the backbone of revenue records, land documentation, and official communication in the UT, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said. “Diluting its role is not only culturally insensitive but also administratively unsound. Removing Urdu from revenue services will create practical challenges in handling existing records and weaken the continuity of governance,” she said, adding that PDP views this decision as part of a broader pattern of undermining the linguistic and cultural identity of J&K.“Urdu has not been removed. It has been removed as the sole mandatory language for qualification,” BJP general secretary Ashok Koul said, adding that since J&K has five official languages, candidates should have knowledge of any one to qualify, and land records should be made available in all official languages.The row began after the revenue department on April 10 issued a draft of Jammu and Kashmir Revenue Service Recruitment Rules for non-gazetted posts, inviting objections within 15 days of the notification. According to the draft, the minimum qualification for direct recruitment has been kept as “graduation from any university”. Earlier, along with graduation, the knowledge of Urdu was a necessary criterion for recruitment.National Conference has not commented on the issue.Urdu has a long association with J&K. In 1889, Maharaja Pratap Singh, the third ruler of Dogra dynasty, replaced Persian with Urdu as the court language in the region. After 1947, the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir recognised Urdu as a link language of the erstwhile J&K state, which included Ladakh, and retained it as an official language.Over time, English gradually replaced Urdu in official communication, particularly after the extension of central services to the region in 1962. As IAS and IPS officers were posted in J&K, English increasingly became the preferred administrative language.This arrangement remained in place until Sept 2, 2020, when the Union Cabinet approved the Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill, 2020, declaring Urdu, Hindi, Kashmiri, Dogri and English as official languages of the region. The bill was later passed by voice vote in Rajya Sabha, effectively ending Urdu’s 131-year status as the sole official language in J&K. Experts say apart from J&K, no other region in the country has five official languages in use.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHow Kejriwal’s AAP And Raghav Chadha Drifted Apart In A Slow-Burn Political Breakup”Right Man, Wrong Party”: Raghav Chadha Quits AAP with 6 MPs; The End of Kejriwal’s RS Power?Why Israel Is Relocating Hidden Jews From India-s Northeast Amid War PressuresAshok Mittal Joins BJP After Replacing Raghav Chadha In RS & ED Raids | WatchSamrat Choudhary, Tejashwi Yadav Clash Over CM Post, Stability & Lalu LegacyHow Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal Exit Triggers AAP CrisisAAP Targets Raghav Chadha & MPs Over Exit, Says they ‘Betrayed The People Of Punjab’Meet The 7 AAP MPs Who Resigned And Joined BJP In Big Political Shock To KejriwalRaghav Chadha Quits AAP, Joins BJP With Six Other MPs | WatchBihar CM Samrat Choudhary Clears Floor Test, NDA Government Proves Majority In Assembly123PhotostoriesAnupamaa fame Paras Kalnawat opens up about being cheated on and a toxic relationship that took a toll on him; says, “Main tadap raha tha aur uske 15-16 boyfriend ban rahe the”Why do aloo bhujia sticks to the kadhai? 4 simple tips to fix it at homeForget mozzarella and cheddar: Try these 6 traditional Indian cheeses that are highly nutritiousAre you loading your dishwasher the right way? 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. SRINAGAR: J&K administration’s move to remove Urdu, previously a mandatory qualification for revenue services, from the newly amended draft recruitment rules has sparked a political row in the Union Territory. The decision comes nearly a year after BJP protested and sought revocation of a govt order that made Urdu a compulsory subject for the naib tehsildar recruitment exam in J&K.PDP termed it a deliberate attempt to sideline and erase Urdu from the region’s administrative framework, even as BJP called it a “course correction”, insisting that any of the five official languages in J&K should be made a criterion for qualifying for revenue services.For generations, Urdu been the backbone of revenue records, land documentation, and official communication in the UT, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said. “Diluting its role is not only culturally insensitive but also administratively unsound. Removing Urdu from revenue services will create practical challenges in handling existing records and weaken the continuity of governance,” she said, adding that PDP views this decision as part of a broader pattern of undermining the linguistic and cultural identity of J&K.“Urdu has not been removed. It has been removed as the sole mandatory language for qualification,” BJP general secretary Ashok Koul said, adding that since J&K has five official languages, candidates should have knowledge of any one to qualify, and land records should be made available in all official languages.The row began after the revenue department on April 10 issued a draft of Jammu and Kashmir Revenue Service Recruitment Rules for non-gazetted posts, inviting objections within 15 days of the notification. According to the draft, the minimum qualification for direct recruitment has been kept as “graduation from any university”. Earlier, along with graduation, the knowledge of Urdu was a necessary criterion for recruitment.National Conference has not commented on the issue.Urdu has a long association with J&K. In 1889, Maharaja Pratap Singh, the third ruler of Dogra dynasty, replaced Persian with Urdu as the court language in the region. After 1947, the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir recognised Urdu as a link language of the erstwhile J&K state, which included Ladakh, and retained it as an official language.Over time, English gradually replaced Urdu in official communication, particularly after the extension of central services to the region in 1962. As IAS and IPS officers were posted in J&K, English increasingly became the preferred administrative language.This arrangement remained in place until Sept 2, 2020, when the Union Cabinet approved the Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill, 2020, declaring Urdu, Hindi, Kashmiri, Dogri and English as official languages of the region. The bill was later passed by voice vote in Rajya Sabha, effectively ending Urdu’s 131-year status as the sole official language in J&K. Experts say apart from J&K, no other region in the country has five official languages in use.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHow Kejriwal’s AAP And Raghav Chadha Drifted Apart In A Slow-Burn Political Breakup”Right Man, Wrong Party”: Raghav Chadha Quits AAP with 6 MPs; The End of Kejriwal’s RS Power?Why Israel Is Relocating Hidden Jews From India-s Northeast Amid War PressuresAshok Mittal Joins BJP After Replacing Raghav Chadha In RS & ED Raids | WatchSamrat Choudhary, Tejashwi Yadav Clash Over CM Post, Stability & Lalu LegacyHow Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal Exit Triggers AAP CrisisAAP Targets Raghav Chadha & MPs Over Exit, Says they ‘Betrayed The People Of Punjab’Meet The 7 AAP MPs Who Resigned And Joined BJP In Big Political Shock To KejriwalRaghav Chadha Quits AAP, Joins BJP With Six Other MPs | WatchBihar CM Samrat Choudhary Clears Floor Test, NDA Government Proves Majority In Assembly123PhotostoriesAnupamaa fame Paras Kalnawat opens up about being cheated on and a toxic relationship that took a toll on him; says, “Main tadap raha tha aur uske 15-16 boyfriend ban rahe the”Why do aloo bhujia sticks to the kadhai? 4 simple tips to fix it at homeForget mozzarella and cheddar: Try these 6 traditional Indian cheeses that are highly nutritiousAre you loading your dishwasher the right way? Here’s what actually worksWhy Gen Z is choosing lab-grown diamonds for modern engagement ringsChronic inflammation may be raising your disease risk: Doctor shares 7 foods that help calm it naturallyWhat that tiny hole in your sink is really forA rare moment put Ranthambore National Park back in the spotlight — 5 reasons fans are going now‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ star Anne Hathaway’s most iconic red carpet looksThis everyday travel item often triggers airport bag checks — and you probably packed it123Hot PicksTamil Nadu ElectionWest Bengal voter turnoutAssembly Election 2026Mamata BanerjeeTamil Nadu voter turnoutAmit ShahPM ModiTop TrendingRaghav Chadha Joins BJPTamil Nadu electionAP SSC Class 10 resultsRRB opens qualificationAIIMS B.Sc. coursesJac Class 12 ResultPatrick MahomesBengal PollsNirmala SitharamanIPL Orange Cap

Vamsikrishna 0
Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha with Nitin Nabin and others (Image/ANI) NEW DELHI: The exit of Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha along with six other members has significantly altered the composition of the Upper House, strengthening the ruling BJP-led NDA while sharply reducing the Aam Aadmi Party’s presence. The move has also hit the opposition camp, whose strength has dropped from 84 to 77 members after the AAP split.The BJP’s tally in the Rajya Sabha has risen from 106 to 113 following the merger of the breakaway AAP MPs, further consolidating its position in the House. The Upper House has a total strength of 245 members.In contrast, the AAP’s strength has dropped sharply from 10 to just three members.The development comes after Chadha, along with fellow MPs Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal, announced their exit from AAP and decision to join the BJP, triggering a broader split within the party. MPs including Swati Maliwal, Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta and Vikram Sahney are also part of the group that backed the move.Announcing the decision, Chadha had sharply criticised his former party. “The Aam Aadmi Party, which I nurtured with my blood and sweat and to which I gave 15 years of my youth, has now completely deviated from its principles, values, and core morals. The party is no longer working for the country or in the national interest, but for personal gain,” he said.He also stated that the split had the backing of a majority of AAP’s MPs in the Upper House. “We have decided that we, the two-thirds members belonging to the AAP in the Rajya Sabha, exercise the provisions of the Constitution of India and merge ourselves with the BJP,” Chadha said.NDA gains, BJP strengthens positionWith the addition of seven MPs, the BJP has further consolidated its position in the Rajya Sabha with 113 members.The broader National Democratic Alliance (NDA) continues to hold a comfortable edge, with allies such as the Janata Dal (United) with four members and the AIADMK with five backing the coalition.AAP reduced to just three MPsFor the AAP, the split has resulted in a dramatic fall in its parliamentary strength. The party is now left with just three MPs: Sanjay Singh, ND Gupta and Balbir Singh Seechewal.Sanjay Singh, who remains the party’s most vocal face in Parliament, has strongly criticised the defectors, accusing the BJP of orchestrating the split. He alleged that central agencies were being used as part of a larger political strategy and termed the departing MPs as ‘traitors.’“Operation Lotus is being executed on the Punjab government… ED and CBI are being used to carry out this Operation Lotus… The people of Punjab will never forget these traitors,” he said.Impact on Opposition blocThe shift has also impacted the opposition camp, of which AAP is a part. The bloc’s combined strength in the Rajya Sabha has now come down to 77 members, from 84 earlier following the exit of seven MPs.The bloc is led by Congress (29 members), followed by Trinamool Congress (13) and DMK (8), along with parties such as Samajwadi Party (4), CPI(M) (3), RJD (3), J&K National Conference (3), CPI (2), Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (2), IUML (2), NCP (4) and AAP (3).A political turning pointThe developments mark a major political turning point for AAP, which had steadily built its presence in the Rajya Sabha over recent years. The sudden loss of two-thirds of its MPs not only impacts its numerical strength but also raises questions about internal cohesion within the party.For the BJP, the gains further strengthen its standing in the Upper House, giving it greater room to push its legislative agenda with reduced reliance on external support.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 MediaVideosWhy Israel Is Relocating Hidden Jews From India-s Northeast Amid War PressuresAshok Mittal Joins BJP After Replacing Raghav Chadha In RS & ED Raids | WatchSamrat Choudhary, Tejashwi Yadav Clash Over CM Post, Stability & Lalu LegacyHow Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal Exit Triggers AAP CrisisAAP Targets Raghav Chadha & MPs Over Exit, Says they ‘Betrayed The People Of Punjab’Meet The 7 AAP MPs Who Resigned And Joined BJP In Big Political Shock To KejriwalRaghav Chadha Quits AAP, Joins BJP With Six Other MPs | WatchBihar CM Samrat Choudhary Clears Floor Test, NDA Government Proves Majority In AssemblyTamil Nadu Polls See Surge in First-Time Voters, Youth Drive Record TurnoutBJP Declares Yogi Adityanath as CM Face for 2027 UP Assembly Elections123PhotostoriesWhat makes their marriage so strong? 5 relationship secrets to learn from Anjali and Sachin TendulkarAre you loading your dishwasher the right way? 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Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha with Nitin Nabin and others (Image/ANI) NEW DELHI: The exit of Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha along with six other members has significantly altered the composition of the Upper House, strengthening the ruling BJP-led NDA while sharply reducing the Aam Aadmi Party’s presence. The move has also hit the opposition camp, whose strength has dropped from 84 to 77 members after the AAP split.The BJP’s tally in the Rajya Sabha has risen from 106 to 113 following the merger of the breakaway AAP MPs, further consolidating its position in the House. The Upper House has a total strength of 245 members.In contrast, the AAP’s strength has dropped sharply from 10 to just three members.The development comes after Chadha, along with fellow MPs Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal, announced their exit from AAP and decision to join the BJP, triggering a broader split within the party. MPs including Swati Maliwal, Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta and Vikram Sahney are also part of the group that backed the move.Announcing the decision, Chadha had sharply criticised his former party. “The Aam Aadmi Party, which I nurtured with my blood and sweat and to which I gave 15 years of my youth, has now completely deviated from its principles, values, and core morals. The party is no longer working for the country or in the national interest, but for personal gain,” he said.He also stated that the split had the backing of a majority of AAP’s MPs in the Upper House. “We have decided that we, the two-thirds members belonging to the AAP in the Rajya Sabha, exercise the provisions of the Constitution of India and merge ourselves with the BJP,” Chadha said.NDA gains, BJP strengthens positionWith the addition of seven MPs, the BJP has further consolidated its position in the Rajya Sabha with 113 members.The broader National Democratic Alliance (NDA) continues to hold a comfortable edge, with allies such as the Janata Dal (United) with four members and the AIADMK with five backing the coalition.AAP reduced to just three MPsFor the AAP, the split has resulted in a dramatic fall in its parliamentary strength. The party is now left with just three MPs: Sanjay Singh, ND Gupta and Balbir Singh Seechewal.Sanjay Singh, who remains the party’s most vocal face in Parliament, has strongly criticised the defectors, accusing the BJP of orchestrating the split. He alleged that central agencies were being used as part of a larger political strategy and termed the departing MPs as ‘traitors.’“Operation Lotus is being executed on the Punjab government… ED and CBI are being used to carry out this Operation Lotus… The people of Punjab will never forget these traitors,” he said.Impact on Opposition blocThe shift has also impacted the opposition camp, of which AAP is a part. The bloc’s combined strength in the Rajya Sabha has now come down to 77 members, from 84 earlier following the exit of seven MPs.The bloc is led by Congress (29 members), followed by Trinamool Congress (13) and DMK (8), along with parties such as Samajwadi Party (4), CPI(M) (3), RJD (3), J&K National Conference (3), CPI (2), Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (2), IUML (2), NCP (4) and AAP (3).A political turning pointThe developments mark a major political turning point for AAP, which had steadily built its presence in the Rajya Sabha over recent years. The sudden loss of two-thirds of its MPs not only impacts its numerical strength but also raises questions about internal cohesion within the party.For the BJP, the gains further strengthen its standing in the Upper House, giving it greater room to push its legislative agenda with reduced reliance on external support.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 MediaVideosWhy Israel Is Relocating Hidden Jews From India-s Northeast Amid War PressuresAshok Mittal Joins BJP After Replacing Raghav Chadha In RS & ED Raids | WatchSamrat Choudhary, Tejashwi Yadav Clash Over CM Post, Stability & Lalu LegacyHow Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal Exit Triggers AAP CrisisAAP Targets Raghav Chadha & MPs Over Exit, Says they ‘Betrayed The People Of Punjab’Meet The 7 AAP MPs Who Resigned And Joined BJP In Big Political Shock To KejriwalRaghav Chadha Quits AAP, Joins BJP With Six Other MPs | WatchBihar CM Samrat Choudhary Clears Floor Test, NDA Government Proves Majority In AssemblyTamil Nadu Polls See Surge in First-Time Voters, Youth Drive Record TurnoutBJP Declares Yogi Adityanath as CM Face for 2027 UP Assembly Elections123PhotostoriesWhat makes their marriage so strong? 5 relationship secrets to learn from Anjali and Sachin TendulkarAre you loading your dishwasher the right way? Here’s what actually worksWhy Gen Z is choosing lab-grown diamonds for modern engagement ringsChronic inflammation may be raising your disease risk: Doctor shares 7 foods that help calm it naturallyWhat that tiny hole in your sink is really forA rare moment put Ranthambore National Park back in the spotlight — 5 reasons fans are going now‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ star Anne Hathaway’s most iconic red carpet looksThis everyday travel item often triggers airport bag checks — and you probably packed it5 game-changing rituals that can save your relationshipVitamin B12 deficiency is more common than you think: Foods you need in your daily diet123Hot PicksTamil Nadu ElectionWest Bengal voter turnoutAssembly Election 2026Mamata BanerjeeTamil Nadu voter turnoutAmit ShahPM ModiTop TrendingRaghav Chadha Joins BJPTamil Nadu electionAP SSC Class 10 resultsRRB opens qualificationAIIMS B.Sc. coursesJac Class 12 ResultPatrick MahomesBengal PollsNirmala SitharamanIPL Orange Cap

Vamsikrishna 0
NEW DELHI: The Arvind Kejriwal-led party on Friday suffered one of its biggest internal jolts, as Raghav Chadha, once its rising star and Kejriwal’s blue-eyed boy, led a massive Rajya Sabha exodus to the Bharatiya Janata Party.The murmurs of dissent from Raghav Chadha exploded into a full-blown rebellion. Chadha didn’t just walk away, he took with him a large chunk of AAP’s strength in the Rajya Sabha, dragging the party into one of the gravest crises since its birth in 2012.The “ghayal” Raghav Chadha rebellion has left the AAP “ghayal.”The cracks, long hidden beneath the surface, burst into the open after Chadha was removed as deputy leader in the Upper House, a post handed to Ashok Mittal, who has now also joined the revolt. The fastest-growing political startup, which formed three consecutive governments in Delhi, including two with historic mandates, and later swept to power in Punjab within just 15 years of its formation, is now facing internal dissent. Its own leaders are openly questioning “Kejriwal’s brand of politics” and accusing it of drifting away from “honest politics” in a tone of rebellion.What lies next for AAP?Faces of the rebellionThe exodus features several high-profile names, including Swati Maliwal, who had already drifted away from the party after alleging a physical assault by Bibhav Kumar at then-chief minister Kejriwal’s official residence in 2024.Joining the breakaway group are cricketer-turned-Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh, along with Sandeep Pathak, Rajinder Gupta, and Vikramjit Singh Sahney, names that add weight and visibility to the rebellion. Standing before the media, Chadha delivered a stinging parting shot, calling himself the “right man in the wrong party,” before formally crossing over to the BJP at its headquarters in New Delhi.Numbers that shake the partyBut the real blow lies in the numbers. In a stunning show of strength, six other AAP MPs, taking the tally to seven out of the party’s total 10 in the Rajya Sabha, have sided with Chadha. For AAP, this is not just a rebellion; it is a near-decimation of its presence in the Upper House.Announcing the move, Chadha said two-thirds of AAP’s Rajya Sabha MPs had decided to merge with the BJP.”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,” he said at a press conference alongside Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal at the Constitution Club.Explaining his decision, Chadha accused the party of straying from its founding ideals.”The AAP, which I nurtured with my blood and sweat, and gave 15 years of my youth to, has deviated from its principles, values and core morals. Now this party does not work in the interest of the nation but for its personal benefits…For the past few years, I could feel that I am the right man in the wrong party. So, today, we announce that I am distancing myself from the AAP and getting close to the public,” he said. Meanwhile, Kejriwal reacted immediately, suggesting the move was orchestrated by the BJP, and said, “The BJP has betrayed Punjabis again.”From anti-corruption crusade to internal revoltThe irony is hard to miss. A party born out of Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement, which once promised to upend “traditional” politics with a model of “new politics,” now finds itself accused by its own leaders of abandoning those very ideals.The outsider that challenged the system is now battling a revolt from within, one that threatens to shake its very foundations.Delhi defeat: the turning pointNot very long ago, the Delhi debacle struck the Kejriwal brigade at the hands of the BJP, majorly denting AAP’s national standing and influence.Reduced to governing only Punjab under chief minister Bhagwant Mann and with a limited presence in Parliament, AAP was already on the back foot. Friday’s rebellion has further eroded its strength in the Rajya Sabha, deepening the crisis.In 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the AAP secured just 3 seats in Punjab. Now with the revised Rajya Sabha tally, AAP is left with total 6 MPs to voice its concerns in Parliament.From meteoric rise to political slideThe twin blows of 2025 and 2026, first the Delhi defeat and now this major exodus, have pushed AAP into what could be its most vulnerable phase yet.Emerging from an anti-corruption wave, AAP positioned itself as a disruptor, challenging the Congress establishment at the Centre under Manmohan Singh and in Delhi under long-time chief minister Sheila Dikshit.In its first electoral battle, AAP stunned the political class. Kejriwal unseated Sheila Dikshit, ending her 15-year rule and defeating her in the New Delhi constituency. What followed was a meteoric rise — 67 out of 70 seats in 2015 and 62 in 2020.But by 2025, the tide had turned. The BJP stormed back into Delhi after over two-decades of dry, slashing AAP’s tally dangerously to 22 seats and appointing Rekha Gupta as the chief minister.Controversies and cracks withinAnnouncing his exit, Chadha perfectly set himself in the BJP’s narrative to target his former boss Kejriwal, accusing AAP of prioritising “personal benefits” over “national interest.” His departure, and the scale of support behind him, has amplified those charges.Over the years, AAP’s top leadership, including Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, and Satyendra Jain, faced scrutiny from agencies like the ED and CBI. Jail terms and investigations, even as some cases later weakened in court, dented the party’s anti-corruption image.Interestingly, Chadha largely stayed away from these controversies. Even during Kejriwal’s time in jail and subsequent relief, he maintained a noticeable distance—fueling speculation of a widening internal rift.After the exit of Raghav Chadha and other rebel MPs from the Aam Aadmi Party, party’s leader in Rajya Sabha Sanjay Singh led the charge and mounted a fierce attack on the BJP, alleging a coordinated effort to weaken and destabilise the party through central agencies such as the ED and CBI. Responding strongly to the developments, Singh said, “Bharatiya Janata Party, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah have begun their ‘Operation Lotus’ to stop the good work of Punjab’s Bhagwant Mann Government. 7 AAP Rajya Sabha MPs are joining the BJP. The people of Punjab should remember these 7 names. These ‘traitors’ of Punjab would never be forgiven by the people.”Punjab: The next battlegroundThe focus now shifts to Punjab.Chadha played a key role in AAP’s 2022 build-up to landslide victory, helping the party leap from 20 seats in 2017 to 92 out of 117. The victory ousted the Congress government led by Charanjit Singh Channi and established AAP’s second full-fledged government after Delhi. Now, with Chadha and several Punjab-linked MPs exiting, cracks may begin to show.Meanwhile, chief minister and Kejriwal loyalist Bhagwant Mann has hit back strongly, calling the departing leaders “traitors” and dismissing their prospects in the BJP. He also accused the BJP of attempting to expand its footprint in Punjab through defections.Yet, the political equations are shifting. With Congress still the principal opposition and the BJP now bolstered by former AAP faces, the contest could intensify.There is a certain political irony at play.Just as AAP once rose by dislodging Congress, from Delhi in 2013 to Punjab in 2022, the BJP has now toppled AAP in Delhi.The question now lingers: is Punjab next for the BJP?About the AuthorAbhishek MishraAbhishek Mishra is a Digital Content Producer at The Times of India, working with the news desk. He writes with a keen eye on foreign policy, defence developments, and the shifting currents of geopolitics-and yes, Indian politics always finds a way onto his radar too.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWhy Israel Is Relocating Hidden Jews From India-s Northeast Amid War PressuresAshok Mittal Joins BJP After Replacing Raghav Chadha In RS & ED Raids | WatchSamrat Choudhary, Tejashwi Yadav Clash Over CM Post, Stability & Lalu LegacyHow Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal Exit Triggers AAP CrisisAAP Targets Raghav Chadha & MPs Over Exit, Says they ‘Betrayed The People Of Punjab’Meet The 7 AAP MPs Who Resigned And Joined BJP In Big Political Shock To KejriwalRaghav Chadha Quits AAP, Joins BJP With Six Other MPs | WatchBihar CM Samrat Choudhary Clears Floor Test, NDA Government Proves Majority In AssemblyTamil Nadu Polls See Surge in First-Time Voters, Youth Drive Record TurnoutBJP Declares Yogi Adityanath as CM Face for 2027 UP Assembly Elections123PhotostoriesWhat makes their marriage so strong? 5 relationship secrets to learn from Anjali and Sachin TendulkarAre you loading your dishwasher the right way? 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NEW DELHI: The Arvind Kejriwal-led party on Friday suffered one of its biggest internal jolts, as Raghav Chadha, once its rising star and Kejriwal’s blue-eyed boy, led a massive Rajya Sabha exodus to the Bharatiya Janata Party.The murmurs of dissent from Raghav Chadha exploded into a full-blown rebellion. Chadha didn’t just walk away, he took with him a large chunk of AAP’s strength in the Rajya Sabha, dragging the party into one of the gravest crises since its birth in 2012.The “ghayal” Raghav Chadha rebellion has left the AAP “ghayal.”The cracks, long hidden beneath the surface, burst into the open after Chadha was removed as deputy leader in the Upper House, a post handed to Ashok Mittal, who has now also joined the revolt. The fastest-growing political startup, which formed three consecutive governments in Delhi, including two with historic mandates, and later swept to power in Punjab within just 15 years of its formation, is now facing internal dissent. Its own leaders are openly questioning “Kejriwal’s brand of politics” and accusing it of drifting away from “honest politics” in a tone of rebellion.What lies next for AAP?Faces of the rebellionThe exodus features several high-profile names, including Swati Maliwal, who had already drifted away from the party after alleging a physical assault by Bibhav Kumar at then-chief minister Kejriwal’s official residence in 2024.Joining the breakaway group are cricketer-turned-Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh, along with Sandeep Pathak, Rajinder Gupta, and Vikramjit Singh Sahney, names that add weight and visibility to the rebellion. Standing before the media, Chadha delivered a stinging parting shot, calling himself the “right man in the wrong party,” before formally crossing over to the BJP at its headquarters in New Delhi.Numbers that shake the partyBut the real blow lies in the numbers. In a stunning show of strength, six other AAP MPs, taking the tally to seven out of the party’s total 10 in the Rajya Sabha, have sided with Chadha. For AAP, this is not just a rebellion; it is a near-decimation of its presence in the Upper House.Announcing the move, Chadha said two-thirds of AAP’s Rajya Sabha MPs had decided to merge with the BJP.”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,” he said at a press conference alongside Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal at the Constitution Club.Explaining his decision, Chadha accused the party of straying from its founding ideals.”The AAP, which I nurtured with my blood and sweat, and gave 15 years of my youth to, has deviated from its principles, values and core morals. Now this party does not work in the interest of the nation but for its personal benefits…For the past few years, I could feel that I am the right man in the wrong party. So, today, we announce that I am distancing myself from the AAP and getting close to the public,” he said. Meanwhile, Kejriwal reacted immediately, suggesting the move was orchestrated by the BJP, and said, “The BJP has betrayed Punjabis again.”From anti-corruption crusade to internal revoltThe irony is hard to miss. A party born out of Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement, which once promised to upend “traditional” politics with a model of “new politics,” now finds itself accused by its own leaders of abandoning those very ideals.The outsider that challenged the system is now battling a revolt from within, one that threatens to shake its very foundations.Delhi defeat: the turning pointNot very long ago, the Delhi debacle struck the Kejriwal brigade at the hands of the BJP, majorly denting AAP’s national standing and influence.Reduced to governing only Punjab under chief minister Bhagwant Mann and with a limited presence in Parliament, AAP was already on the back foot. Friday’s rebellion has further eroded its strength in the Rajya Sabha, deepening the crisis.In 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the AAP secured just 3 seats in Punjab. Now with the revised Rajya Sabha tally, AAP is left with total 6 MPs to voice its concerns in Parliament.From meteoric rise to political slideThe twin blows of 2025 and 2026, first the Delhi defeat and now this major exodus, have pushed AAP into what could be its most vulnerable phase yet.Emerging from an anti-corruption wave, AAP positioned itself as a disruptor, challenging the Congress establishment at the Centre under Manmohan Singh and in Delhi under long-time chief minister Sheila Dikshit.In its first electoral battle, AAP stunned the political class. Kejriwal unseated Sheila Dikshit, ending her 15-year rule and defeating her in the New Delhi constituency. What followed was a meteoric rise — 67 out of 70 seats in 2015 and 62 in 2020.But by 2025, the tide had turned. The BJP stormed back into Delhi after over two-decades of dry, slashing AAP’s tally dangerously to 22 seats and appointing Rekha Gupta as the chief minister.Controversies and cracks withinAnnouncing his exit, Chadha perfectly set himself in the BJP’s narrative to target his former boss Kejriwal, accusing AAP of prioritising “personal benefits” over “national interest.” His departure, and the scale of support behind him, has amplified those charges.Over the years, AAP’s top leadership, including Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, and Satyendra Jain, faced scrutiny from agencies like the ED and CBI. Jail terms and investigations, even as some cases later weakened in court, dented the party’s anti-corruption image.Interestingly, Chadha largely stayed away from these controversies. Even during Kejriwal’s time in jail and subsequent relief, he maintained a noticeable distance—fueling speculation of a widening internal rift.After the exit of Raghav Chadha and other rebel MPs from the Aam Aadmi Party, party’s leader in Rajya Sabha Sanjay Singh led the charge and mounted a fierce attack on the BJP, alleging a coordinated effort to weaken and destabilise the party through central agencies such as the ED and CBI. Responding strongly to the developments, Singh said, “Bharatiya Janata Party, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah have begun their ‘Operation Lotus’ to stop the good work of Punjab’s Bhagwant Mann Government. 7 AAP Rajya Sabha MPs are joining the BJP. The people of Punjab should remember these 7 names. These ‘traitors’ of Punjab would never be forgiven by the people.”Punjab: The next battlegroundThe focus now shifts to Punjab.Chadha played a key role in AAP’s 2022 build-up to landslide victory, helping the party leap from 20 seats in 2017 to 92 out of 117. The victory ousted the Congress government led by Charanjit Singh Channi and established AAP’s second full-fledged government after Delhi. Now, with Chadha and several Punjab-linked MPs exiting, cracks may begin to show.Meanwhile, chief minister and Kejriwal loyalist Bhagwant Mann has hit back strongly, calling the departing leaders “traitors” and dismissing their prospects in the BJP. He also accused the BJP of attempting to expand its footprint in Punjab through defections.Yet, the political equations are shifting. With Congress still the principal opposition and the BJP now bolstered by former AAP faces, the contest could intensify.There is a certain political irony at play.Just as AAP once rose by dislodging Congress, from Delhi in 2013 to Punjab in 2022, the BJP has now toppled AAP in Delhi.The question now lingers: is Punjab next for the BJP?About the AuthorAbhishek MishraAbhishek Mishra is a Digital Content Producer at The Times of India, working with the news desk. He writes with a keen eye on foreign policy, defence developments, and the shifting currents of geopolitics-and yes, Indian politics always finds a way onto his radar too.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWhy Israel Is Relocating Hidden Jews From India-s Northeast Amid War PressuresAshok Mittal Joins BJP After Replacing Raghav Chadha In RS & ED Raids | WatchSamrat Choudhary, Tejashwi Yadav Clash Over CM Post, Stability & Lalu LegacyHow Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal Exit Triggers AAP CrisisAAP Targets Raghav Chadha & MPs Over Exit, Says they ‘Betrayed The People Of Punjab’Meet The 7 AAP MPs Who Resigned And Joined BJP In Big Political Shock To KejriwalRaghav Chadha Quits AAP, Joins BJP With Six Other MPs | WatchBihar CM Samrat Choudhary Clears Floor Test, NDA Government Proves Majority In AssemblyTamil Nadu Polls See Surge in First-Time Voters, Youth Drive Record TurnoutBJP Declares Yogi Adityanath as CM Face for 2027 UP Assembly Elections123PhotostoriesWhat makes their marriage so strong? 5 relationship secrets to learn from Anjali and Sachin TendulkarAre you loading your dishwasher the right way? Here’s what actually worksWhy Gen Z is choosing lab-grown diamonds for modern engagement ringsChronic inflammation may be raising your disease risk: Doctor shares 7 foods that help calm it naturallyWhat that tiny hole in your sink is really forA rare moment put Ranthambore National Park back in the spotlight — 5 reasons fans are going now‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ star Anne Hathaway’s most iconic red carpet looksThis everyday travel item often triggers airport bag checks — and you probably packed it5 game-changing rituals that can save your relationshipVitamin B12 deficiency is more common than you think: Foods you need in your daily diet123Hot PicksTamil Nadu ElectionWest Bengal voter turnoutAssembly Election 2026Mamata BanerjeeTamil Nadu voter turnoutAmit ShahPM ModiTop TrendingRaghav Chadha Joins BJPTamil Nadu electionAP SSC Class 10 resultsRRB opens qualificationAIIMS B.Sc. coursesJac Class 12 ResultPatrick MahomesBengal PollsNirmala SitharamanIPL Orange Cap

Vamsikrishna 0
NEW DELHI: Just days before delivering his biggest political move yet, Raghav Chadha struck a cinematic note, invoking a Bollywood line from Dhurandhar: “ghayal hoon, isliye ghatak hoon” (I am wounded, therefore I am dangerous).In hindsight, the dialogue and its metaphor now read very differently. The “wounded” leader Raghav Chadha has not just walked away from Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP — he has crossed the political ‘border’ by joining the BJP. And in doing so, he may have inflicted the deepest wound yet on the AAP, proving to be the real lethal force for the party. More than a high-profile defection, Chadha’s move, along with a clutch of Rajya Sabha members, strikes at the party’s numbers, narrative, and national positioning. For AAP, the aftershocks are likely to be felt most sharply in Punjab, the only state where it holds full power and the foundation of its national ambitions. For the past few years, I could feel that I am the right man in the wrong party.- Raghav ChadhaHere are 5 reasons why Raghav Chadha’s exit may hit AAP where it hurts the most:1. Cost of this breakup in numbersThe exit of Raghav Chadha from the AAP is not just a political setback for the party; it delivers a sharp blow in pure numerical terms in Parliament.Raghav Chadha exited the party along with 6 other Rajya Sabha members. AAP’s strength has effectively shrunk from 10 MPs to just 3, following the reported shift of seven members. “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,” Raghav Chadha said at a press conference, with Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal on stage.”There are 10 AAP MPs in the Rajya Sabha, more than 2/3rd of them are with us in this. They have signed, and this morning we submitted the signed letter and documents to the Rajya Sabha Chairman…three of them are here before you. Besides us, there are Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta, Vikramjit Singh Sahney and Swati Maliwal,” he said.Crossing the two-thirds mark allows the group to qualify as a merger under anti-defection rules, meaning the loss is both instant and irreversible. For AAP, that translates into a 70% drop in Upper House strength, severely limiting its ability to intervene in debates, secure committee positions, and shape national discourse.The setback is amplified by the fact that AAP’s Rajya Sabha presence is largely rooted in Punjab — its only full-state power base. A weakened parliamentary bench reduces the party’s ability to project Punjab’s interests at the national level, even as it continues to govern the state.2. ‘New politics’ brand takes credibility hitWhile severing ties with the AAP, Raghav Chadha said: “The AAP, which I nurtured with my blood and sweat, and gave 15 years of my youth to, has deviated from its principles, values and core morals. Now this party does not work in the interest of the nation but for its personal benefits … For the past few years, I could feel that I am the right man in the wrong party. So, today, we announce that I am distancing myself from the AAP and getting close to the public.”Since its inception in 2012 after the Anna Hazare movement, AAP’s political strength has long rested on its ability to differentiate itself from traditional parties through a reformist, anti-establishment narrative.Raghav Chadha’s exit complicates that positioning.By alleging that the party now works for “personal benefits” rather than the national interest, he can change the discourse in the coming months from promise to performance.The whole controversy around the liquor scam proved to be fatal for AAP in the 2025 assembly elections.Chadha’s switch may also alter how voters interpret AAP’s governance and intent in the upcoming Punjab elections.Earlier in the month, in a cryptic post, Chadha had said: “Never outshine the master,” suggesting that his rising national profile and perceived independence had made him a target within his own party.If he had gone to the BJP alone, the AAP leadership would have been able to put the entire blame on his loyalty. The breakaway of 7 Rajya Sabha members together will at least raise a doubt in Kejriwal’s leadership in the party. The leadership of the party has, however, has blamed it on the BJP, alleging the saffron party conduction ‘operation lotus’ the divide the AAP.3. AAP’s internal churnThe exit of Raghav Chadha and six other MPs underscores a deeper pattern within the party — one of recurring internal ruptures that date back to its very origins. Born out of the India Against Corruption movement in 2012, AAP itself emerged from a split, with Anna Hazare and Kiran Bedi opposing the shift to electoral politics.Over the years, the party has seen the steady exit of key figures, from early architects like Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan to prominent faces such as Kumar Vishwas, Ashutosh and Alka Lamba. Just before last Delhi assembly elections, rift between AAP leadership and Swati Maliwal was also out in open. Maliwal also joined Chadha on Friday in quitting the party to join the BJP.What makes the Raghav Chadha episode different is its scale and timing. The simultaneous exit of multiple sitting Rajya Sabha MPs marks one of the most significant setbacks at the parliamentary level. 4. Architect of Punjab victory exits the stageWhile Raghav Chadha’s exit carries symbolic weight, the simultaneous departure of Sandeep Pathak may prove more consequential in structural terms. Widely seen as the architect behind AAP’s Punjab victory, Pathak brought a data-driven, booth-level precision to the party’s campaign machinery. His approach helped AAP convert roughly 42% vote share into a landslide majority of 92 seats of 117 in the 2022 assembly elections, a remarkable strike rate in a multi-cornered contest.Now, at a time when the Bhagwant Mann government is entering a crucial last-leg phase, with the assembly elections to be held next year, the absence of that strategic anchor could create a vacuum.5. National positioning takes a hitThe fallout from Raghav Chadha’s exit extends beyond Punjab into AAP’s standing in national opposition politics. Within the INDIA bloc, the Aam Aadmi Party has positioned itself as a distinct force — often balancing cooperation with competition, especially with the Congress.That positioning now weakens after Chadha’s exit.With its Rajya Sabha strength dropping sharply from 10 to 3, AAP’s ability to project itself as a serious national player takes a direct hit. And in coalition politics, numbers are credibility.This also affects AAP’s leverage in the opposition’s INDIA bloc dynamics. The party has often negotiated from a position of relative strength. That equation had already shifted a blow after last year’s loss in Delhi. Now, as its legislative footprint shrinks, it might get harder for the party to assert itself in seat-sharing talks or strategic decisions.For Chadha, the move resets his trajectory in national politics. Whether it strengthens the Bharatiya Janata Party’s footprint in Punjab or reshapes opposition equations within the INDIA bloc will become clearer in the months ahead.One thing, however, is already evident: this is not just a break-up. It is a moment that could redraw political lines — both in Punjab and beyond.Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh has, for now, said he would seek the disqualification of Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal and Sandeep Pathak from the Upper House for joining the BJP.About the AuthorPallaviNews desk journalist, digital, at The Times of India, with a focus on Indian politics. Over a decade of chasing stories, taming headlines and arguing with commas like they’re part of the opposition. Tracks elections, policy pivots, party drama and the fine print of power, where every word can tilt the narrative. Believes good journalism is clarity under pressure, ideally filed before the next breaking alert crashes in. Powered by deadlines, context, sharp edits and a steady supply of strong tea.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAshok Mittal Joins BJP After Replacing Raghav Chadha In RS & ED Raids | WatchSamrat Choudhary, Tejashwi Yadav Clash Over CM Post, Stability & Lalu LegacyHow Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal Exit Triggers AAP CrisisAAP Targets Raghav Chadha & MPs Over Exit, Says they ‘Betrayed The People Of Punjab’Meet The 7 AAP MPs Who Resigned And Joined BJP In Big Political Shock To KejriwalRaghav Chadha Quits AAP, Joins BJP With Six Other MPs | WatchBihar CM Samrat Choudhary Clears Floor Test, NDA Government Proves Majority In AssemblyTamil Nadu Polls See Surge in First-Time Voters, Youth Drive Record TurnoutBJP Declares Yogi Adityanath as CM Face for 2027 UP Assembly ElectionsRSS’ Dattatreya Hosabale In US: “Hindus Not Supremacist, Have Nothing To Apologise For”123PhotostoriesAre you loading your dishwasher the right way? 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NEW DELHI: Just days before delivering his biggest political move yet, Raghav Chadha struck a cinematic note, invoking a Bollywood line from Dhurandhar: “ghayal hoon, isliye ghatak hoon” (I am wounded, therefore I am dangerous).In hindsight, the dialogue and its metaphor now read very differently. The “wounded” leader Raghav Chadha has not just walked away from Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP — he has crossed the political ‘border’ by joining the BJP. And in doing so, he may have inflicted the deepest wound yet on the AAP, proving to be the real lethal force for the party. More than a high-profile defection, Chadha’s move, along with a clutch of Rajya Sabha members, strikes at the party’s numbers, narrative, and national positioning. For AAP, the aftershocks are likely to be felt most sharply in Punjab, the only state where it holds full power and the foundation of its national ambitions. For the past few years, I could feel that I am the right man in the wrong party.- Raghav ChadhaHere are 5 reasons why Raghav Chadha’s exit may hit AAP where it hurts the most:1. Cost of this breakup in numbersThe exit of Raghav Chadha from the AAP is not just a political setback for the party; it delivers a sharp blow in pure numerical terms in Parliament.Raghav Chadha exited the party along with 6 other Rajya Sabha members. AAP’s strength has effectively shrunk from 10 MPs to just 3, following the reported shift of seven members. “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,” Raghav Chadha said at a press conference, with Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal on stage.”There are 10 AAP MPs in the Rajya Sabha, more than 2/3rd of them are with us in this. They have signed, and this morning we submitted the signed letter and documents to the Rajya Sabha Chairman…three of them are here before you. Besides us, there are Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta, Vikramjit Singh Sahney and Swati Maliwal,” he said.Crossing the two-thirds mark allows the group to qualify as a merger under anti-defection rules, meaning the loss is both instant and irreversible. For AAP, that translates into a 70% drop in Upper House strength, severely limiting its ability to intervene in debates, secure committee positions, and shape national discourse.The setback is amplified by the fact that AAP’s Rajya Sabha presence is largely rooted in Punjab — its only full-state power base. A weakened parliamentary bench reduces the party’s ability to project Punjab’s interests at the national level, even as it continues to govern the state.2. ‘New politics’ brand takes credibility hitWhile severing ties with the AAP, Raghav Chadha said: “The AAP, which I nurtured with my blood and sweat, and gave 15 years of my youth to, has deviated from its principles, values and core morals. Now this party does not work in the interest of the nation but for its personal benefits … For the past few years, I could feel that I am the right man in the wrong party. So, today, we announce that I am distancing myself from the AAP and getting close to the public.”Since its inception in 2012 after the Anna Hazare movement, AAP’s political strength has long rested on its ability to differentiate itself from traditional parties through a reformist, anti-establishment narrative.Raghav Chadha’s exit complicates that positioning.By alleging that the party now works for “personal benefits” rather than the national interest, he can change the discourse in the coming months from promise to performance.The whole controversy around the liquor scam proved to be fatal for AAP in the 2025 assembly elections.Chadha’s switch may also alter how voters interpret AAP’s governance and intent in the upcoming Punjab elections.Earlier in the month, in a cryptic post, Chadha had said: “Never outshine the master,” suggesting that his rising national profile and perceived independence had made him a target within his own party.If he had gone to the BJP alone, the AAP leadership would have been able to put the entire blame on his loyalty. The breakaway of 7 Rajya Sabha members together will at least raise a doubt in Kejriwal’s leadership in the party. The leadership of the party has, however, has blamed it on the BJP, alleging the saffron party conduction ‘operation lotus’ the divide the AAP.3. AAP’s internal churnThe exit of Raghav Chadha and six other MPs underscores a deeper pattern within the party — one of recurring internal ruptures that date back to its very origins. Born out of the India Against Corruption movement in 2012, AAP itself emerged from a split, with Anna Hazare and Kiran Bedi opposing the shift to electoral politics.Over the years, the party has seen the steady exit of key figures, from early architects like Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan to prominent faces such as Kumar Vishwas, Ashutosh and Alka Lamba. Just before last Delhi assembly elections, rift between AAP leadership and Swati Maliwal was also out in open. Maliwal also joined Chadha on Friday in quitting the party to join the BJP.What makes the Raghav Chadha episode different is its scale and timing. The simultaneous exit of multiple sitting Rajya Sabha MPs marks one of the most significant setbacks at the parliamentary level. 4. Architect of Punjab victory exits the stageWhile Raghav Chadha’s exit carries symbolic weight, the simultaneous departure of Sandeep Pathak may prove more consequential in structural terms. Widely seen as the architect behind AAP’s Punjab victory, Pathak brought a data-driven, booth-level precision to the party’s campaign machinery. His approach helped AAP convert roughly 42% vote share into a landslide majority of 92 seats of 117 in the 2022 assembly elections, a remarkable strike rate in a multi-cornered contest.Now, at a time when the Bhagwant Mann government is entering a crucial last-leg phase, with the assembly elections to be held next year, the absence of that strategic anchor could create a vacuum.5. National positioning takes a hitThe fallout from Raghav Chadha’s exit extends beyond Punjab into AAP’s standing in national opposition politics. Within the INDIA bloc, the Aam Aadmi Party has positioned itself as a distinct force — often balancing cooperation with competition, especially with the Congress.That positioning now weakens after Chadha’s exit.With its Rajya Sabha strength dropping sharply from 10 to 3, AAP’s ability to project itself as a serious national player takes a direct hit. And in coalition politics, numbers are credibility.This also affects AAP’s leverage in the opposition’s INDIA bloc dynamics. The party has often negotiated from a position of relative strength. That equation had already shifted a blow after last year’s loss in Delhi. Now, as its legislative footprint shrinks, it might get harder for the party to assert itself in seat-sharing talks or strategic decisions.For Chadha, the move resets his trajectory in national politics. Whether it strengthens the Bharatiya Janata Party’s footprint in Punjab or reshapes opposition equations within the INDIA bloc will become clearer in the months ahead.One thing, however, is already evident: this is not just a break-up. It is a moment that could redraw political lines — both in Punjab and beyond.Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh has, for now, said he would seek the disqualification of Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal and Sandeep Pathak from the Upper House for joining the BJP.About the AuthorPallaviNews desk journalist, digital, at The Times of India, with a focus on Indian politics. Over a decade of chasing stories, taming headlines and arguing with commas like they’re part of the opposition. Tracks elections, policy pivots, party drama and the fine print of power, where every word can tilt the narrative. Believes good journalism is clarity under pressure, ideally filed before the next breaking alert crashes in. 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