May 18, 2026
Apr 24, 2026, 22:21 IST

Apr 24, 2026, 22:21 IST

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz caresses with the trophy after defeating Italy’s Jannik Sinner in the final of the French Open tennis tournament, Sunday, June 8, 2025, in Paris. (AP Photo) Carlos Alcaraz will not defend his French Open title this year, as the two-time reigning champion has pulled out of both the Rome Masters and French…

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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

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

Vamsikrishna07 mins mins

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…

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‘Khalnayak Returns’: Sanjay Dutt unleashes his dark, intense aura in sequel teaser

‘Khalnayak Returns’: Sanjay Dutt unleashes his dark, intense aura in sequel teaser

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

‘Khalnayak Returns’: Sanjay Dutt unleashes his dark, intense aura in sequel teaser Actor Sanjay Dutt has sparked a wave of nostalgia among fans, unveiling his first look from the much-awaited sequel to his iconic film ‘Khalnayak’, marking a dramatic return to one of his most celebrated on-screen avatars.Unveiling a striking new look, the makers, on…

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Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora shares three reasons why AI models like Anthropic Mythos cannot do the job of Cybersecurity software companies

Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora shares three reasons why AI models like Anthropic Mythos cannot do the job of Cybersecurity software companies

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Palo Alto Networks’ CEO Nikesh Arora Nikesh Arora, CEO of Palo Alto Networks, has pushed back against the panic caused by Anthropic’s Mythos. As artificial intelligence (AI) models like Mythos send shockwaves through the tech world, Arora says that the stock market has become increasingly “paranoid” about the future of software companies. In two different…

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Aamir Khan compares Arijit Singh to Mohammed Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar and Sonu Nigam: ‘All are storytellers’

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Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

After reports of acclaimed singer Arijit Singh announcing his retirement from playback singing earlier this year, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan visited him at his home in Murshidabad and urged him not to step away from music.Speaking about the visit, Aamir called it an “amazing, lifetime experience” and said, “I was extremely happy after meeting him.”…

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Mike Vrabel’s wife Jen urged to speak out as Cam Newton questions her silence amid Dianna Russini photo scandal

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Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Cam Newton has urged Jen Vrabel to speak out amid the controversy involving Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini. Newton questioned why attention remains on the pair instead of hearing Jen’s perspective. As speculation grows, the situation has shifted from football to personal lives, drawing increased public curiosity. The scrutiny of Mike Vrabel has gone well…

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Not the record RCB wanted: Sai Sudharsan’s century leaves defending champions with unwanted IPL record | Cricket News

Not the record RCB wanted: Sai Sudharsan’s century leaves defending champions with unwanted IPL record | Cricket News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Royal Challengers Bengaluru made an unwanted IPL record on Friday after Gujarat Titans batter Sai Sudharsan scored a century against them at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in IPL 2026 match.With Sudharsan’s hundred, RCB became the team to concede the most individual centuries in IPL history.Most individual centuries conceded by a team in IPL: 15 –…

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Intel bags big gains! Chipmaker’s shares jump 26% on blockbuster results; how Trump admin benefits

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Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Intel share price soared sharply on Friday after the chipmaker delivered a first-quarter performance that exceeded market expectations. And the win was not just for the chipmaker, but also the whole of US!The stock climbed 26.7% during trading on Friday, marking what could be its strongest single-day gain since 1987. Momentum continued after the closing…

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Heartbreaking Reality Of Children Without Parents: “Jiske upar koi nai hota.. usko”: Teenage orphan shares heartbreaking reality of children without parents

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Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Maturity as a concept is often tied to age. Even as adults, many of us fail to understand what it truly means, let alone express it. However, this 16-year-old boy’s words will make you wonder whether maturity comes with age or circumstances.A short video clip of 16-year-old Chand is winning hearts on social media. The…

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Apr 24, 2026, 21:18 IST

Apr 24, 2026, 21:18 IST

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill (Image credit: BCCI/IPL) NEW DELHI: Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill and his opening partner Sai Sudharsan geared up calmly – pads strapped, gloves on – before stepping out to open against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday. What followed, however, was anything but quiet.The duo put…

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From apps to arms: Sankaet Pathak and Silicon Valley’s patriotic pivot

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Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

TOI Correspondent from Washington: A new doctrine is quietly reshaping America’s technology-industrial complex, recasting Silicon Valley from a playground of consumer apps into an arsenal of strategic hardware. Dubbed “patriotic tech,” the movement argues that technology firms have a moral and national duty to align with the state – particularly in its intensifying rivalry with…

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How to apply for govt jobs: See latest jobs in April 2026; 10th and 12th pass jobs, graduate vacancies

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Government jobs continue to attract lakhs of aspirants every year, and April 2026 is no exception. From banking to railways and central government departments, multiple recruitment notifications are released during this period. Knowing where to look and how to prepare can make a big difference in securing a position.The first step is to stay updated…

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‘Jana Nayagan’ leak: Editor Pradeep E Raghav suspended by SIFEA over alleged violation of rules

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The Southern India Film Editor’s Association (SIFEA) has suspended film editor Pradeep E Raghav for allegedly violating union bylaws and failing to prevent the illegal online leak of the Thalapathy Vijay starrer Jana Nayagan. The decision was taken on Friday following an emergency executive committee meeting held on April 17. SIFEA suspends editor Pradeep E…

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What makes their marriage so strong? 5 relationship secrets to learn from Anjali and Sachin Tendulkar

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Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

When we talk about iconic love stories, most people jump straight to movie stars or royalty. But right in the middle of India’s cricket madness is a relationship that quietly stood strong for decades – no drama, no noise, just consistency. Sachin Tendulkar and Anjali Tendulkar never followed the usual “celebrity couple” script. No flashy…

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Lucknow gurukul horror: Boy sent for free Vedic education dies; 40+ injuries, including 11 cigarette burns found on body

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Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

KANPUR: The autopsy report of an 11-year-old student at a private school operating on a gurukul pattern in Alamnagar, Lucknow, who was murdered and whose body was found dumped outside his home in Kanpur on Wednesday, showed the child was burned with a cigarette 11 times and had 43 marks of serious injuries.Maharajpur Police registered…

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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. 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? 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 itVitamin B12 deficiency is more common than you think: Foods you need in your daily diet‘Raja Shivaji’, ‘Chand Mera Dil’, ‘Pati Patni Aur Woh Do’: Bollywood releases slated for May 2026’The Devil Wears Prada 2′ cast then vs now: How Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway and more have evolved 20 years after the original123Hot 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

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? 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 itVitamin B12 deficiency is more common than you think: Foods you need in your daily diet‘Raja Shivaji’, ‘Chand Mera Dil’, ‘Pati Patni Aur Woh Do’: Bollywood releases slated for May 2026’The Devil Wears Prada 2′ cast then vs now: How Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway and more have evolved 20 years after the original123Hot 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

Vamsikrishna07 mins mins

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…

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