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VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Uttarakhand Board results 2026: Failed or low marks in Class 10th, 12th? Here’s what to do next Shraddha Kapoor reacts to ‘Aashiqui 2’ re-release demand, says ‘Brilliant idea, I will…’ | Hindi Movie News Men in BMW, Fortuner refuse to pay toll fee, assault and abduct staffer in north Bengaluru NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday launched a sharp attack on Arvind Kejriwal, a day after Raghav Chadha and six other MPs from Rajya Sabha left the party. The BJP described Kejriwal as the “Rahman Dakait of Delhi” and released fresh images of what it called “Sheeshmahal 2.”Delhi minister Parvesh Verma in a press conference accused Kejriwal of living lavishly despite earlier claims of simplicity.He said, “…Delhi’s Rahman Dakait, just as a sequel to the movie ‘Dhurandhar’ came out, similarly, we are going to reveal ‘Sheesh Mahal 2’ today…” Verma alleged that the original “Sheesh Mahal” in Delhi was built while the city was battling the Covid wave.He said, “…Kejriwal built the Sheesh Mahal in Delhi when Delhi was suffering from the COVID wave… The people of Delhi were demanding COVID medicine and were dying. During that time, work on Delhi’s Sheesh Mahal didn’t stop for a single day, as per Kejriwal’s orders…”The BJP leader further claimed that after electoral setbacks in Delhi, Kejriwal shifted his political focus to Punjab, creating pressure for Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann. He said, “…When our ‘Dhurandhar’ Delhi voters defeated Delhi’s Rahman Dakait, he moved to Punjab, increasing Bhagwant Mann’s problems. Of the four large government houses surrounding Bhagwant Mann’s house, one was occupied by Kejriwal, another by former Delhi health minister Satyendra Jain, a third by Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh, and another by Manish Sisodia…”Verma also targeted Kejriwal over his recent residence at 95 Lodhi Estate and accused him of abandoning his earlier image of modest living.He said, “…In Punjab, Bhagwant Mann is upset… He built another Sheesh Mahal there. Today, in Delhi, he has been going to court for the past several years, asking for a bungalow. And when he got the bungalow where he moved in yesterday, 95 Lodhi Estate. When the pictures of it came out, we were astonished. The man who said he would live simply today lives in a luxurious manner…”The BJP also alleged that the properties were linked to funds from the alleged liquor scam case. No immediate response from Kejriwal or the AAP was reported on the accusations.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 MediaVideosDAILY ESSENTIALS HIT HARD: Hair Oil, ACs, Soaps Turn Costlier In FMCG ShockwaveBangladesh PM Tarique Rahman Writes To BJP Chief, Seeks BJP-BNP Political DialogueHow 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 Kejriwal123PhotostoriesFruits you can easily grow on your balcony: A simple guide to fresh homegrown produceInside MasterChef judge Poh Ling Yeow’s artistic ‘Cassida Chaos’ in AdelaideHow to make Dahi Upma for summer breakfast at homeTop 5 posh areas of Thane for luxury livingRihanna takes over Mumbai in two head-turning looks for Fenty Beauty launch10 adorable three-letter baby girl namesAnupamaa 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 does Aloo Bhujia stick 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 works123Hot 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 Apr 25, 2026, 11:11 IST ‘Bhai ye kya tamasha hai?’: PSL faces troll storm after ‘Mascot fight’ steals the show Top five IT firms shed nearly 7k jobs in FY26 Our Ganga clean, can he take a dip in Yamuna, says Didi NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party suffered a major blow after estranged MP Raghav Chadha, along with six other parliamentarians, left the party and decided to merge with the Bharatiya Janata Party.In a press conference, Chadha said that the decision came after MPs felt that the Arvind Kejriwal-led party had strayed from its principles, values and core morals.Meanwhile, BJP chief Nitin Nabin welcomed the parliamentarians at the party headquarters in Delhi by offering them traditional sweets.”Welcomed Raghav Chadha Ji, Sandeep Pathak Ji, and Ashok Mittal Ji to the BJP family at the party HQ today. Also, best wishes to Harbhajan Singh Ji, Swati Maliwal Ji, Vikram Sahney Ji, and Rajinder Gupta Ji to work under the dynamic leadership of PM Narendra Modi towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047,” Nabin said in a post on X shortly thereafter.Why anti-defection law won’t apply to AAP MPsDespite the Tenth Schedule, the anti-defection law won’t apply to AAP MPs as it allows two-thirds of a legislature party to break away and merge with another party.The law says, “A member of a House shall not be disqualified under the Tenth Schedule if his original political party merges with another political party and he claims that he and any other members of his original political party have become members of such other political party or, as the case may be, of a new political party formed by such merger.”Or have not accepted the merger and opted to function as a separate group and, from the time of such merger, such other political party or new political party or group, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be the political party to which he belongs for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph 2 and to be his original political party for the purposes of this sub-paragraph,” it further says.Currently, there are 10 MPs in the Rajya Sabha from AAP. After this move, two-thirds — that is, seven — are set to merge with the BJP. If this number was any less, those wanting to merge would have to give up their Upper House membership.Hence, if Chadha had quit alone, he would have had to give up his Rajya Sabha membership. But that is not the case as the outgoing AAP leader is joined by Swati Maliwal, Harbhajan Singh, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal, Rajinder Gupta and Vikram Sahney.What’s nextMeanwhile, senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh has also announced that he will write to the Rajya Sabha Chairman to demand the disqualification of the three MPs, citing the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which details provisions of disqualification on the grounds of defection.In a post on X, Singh said that the party would be approaching the presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha to invoke the Tenth Schedule.”I will submit a letter to the Hon’ble Rajya Sabha Chairman, in which a demand will be made to declare Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal, and Sandeep Pathak disqualified from Rajya Sabha membership for joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as this is tantamount to voluntarily relinquishing membership of their original party under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution,” he said.Meanwhile, AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal met senior party leader Manish Sisodia late last night as the party has now begun working on a new strategy.Party sources told news agency ANI that Kejriwal met Sisodia for half an hour and discussed the possible impact of the split and what the future strategy should be.”After returning to Delhi late at night, Sisodia went straight from the airport to the residence of party convenor Arvind Kejriwal. The two leaders met for more than half an hour. During the meeting, they also discussed the possible impact of the split and what the future strategy should be,” sources told ANI.Party sources said, “The chief whip in the Upper House, ND Gupta, will submit a letter to the Rajya Sabha Chairman against Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal.””Gupta’s letter will seek action as per the anti-defection law. These three leaders were seen in public joining the BJP. The remaining four were not seen in the public domain making that move. Hence, the chief whip will lodge the complaint against the three MPs seen in the BJP office.”Why the MPs leftThis comes days after AAP removed Chadha as Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha. Following the decision, several party leaders had attacked Chadha and accused him of being soft towards the BJP.Chadha had hit back at the allegations, calling it a “coordinated attack” and denying claims that he refused to walk out of Parliament or sign an impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner.Moreover, AAP sources told news agency PTI that the exits were aimed at destabilising the party before the Assembly elections in Punjab next year and admitted that the party was on guard to keep its flock together in the state.Party insiders said the fear of action by central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) could have played a part in influencing the decision of some of the MPs who were businessmen from Punjab, while others were unhappy with their shrinking political role within the party.On April 15, the ED conducted raids at business entities linked to AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal in Punjab as part of a FEMA probe.Pathak, who was national general secretary, was feeling sidelined as his role was restricted to just the day-to-day affairs of the party, they said.In the three states where Assembly polls are to be held — Punjab, Goa and Gujarat — Pathak was not closely involved, they claimed. Instead, other senior leaders such as Atishi (Goa), Gopal Rai and Durgesh Pathak (Gujarat), and Manish Sisodia (Punjab) were steering poll preparations along with Kejriwal, they said.After the arrest of Kejriwal in the liquor policy case in 2024, Chadha’s major assignments were taken away. The big flashpoint arrived when he was removed as deputy leader of the party in the Rajya Sabha last month.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 MediaVideosDAILY ESSENTIALS HIT HARD: Hair Oil, ACs, Soaps Turn Costlier In FMCG ShockwaveBangladesh PM Tarique Rahman Writes To BJP Chief, Seeks BJP-BNP Political DialogueHow 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 Kejriwal123PhotostoriesFruits you can easily grow on your balcony: A simple guide to fresh homegrown produceInside MasterChef judge Poh Ling Yeow’s artistic ‘Cassida Chaos’ in AdelaideHow to make Dahi Upma for summer breakfast at homeTop 5 posh areas of Thane for luxury livingRihanna takes over Mumbai in two head-turning looks for Fenty Beauty launch10 adorable three-letter baby girl namesAnupamaa 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 does Aloo Bhujia stick 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 works123Hot 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 Apr 25, 2026, 10:53 IST Continue with human touch amid digital push, banks told UK Board Class 12 Result 2026 declared: Girls outperform boys again; check pass percentage; link to download marksheet iPhone 18 launch and other small but important things that outgoing CEO Tim Cook and new CEO John Ternus’ letters ‘tell’ that Apple’s announcement didnt say ‘openly’ Ageas eyes acquisitions to grow India presence UK Board result 2026: Official website down, alternate ways to check Class 10, 12 scores Priyanka Chopra and Mahesh Babu wrap dance sequence for SS Rajamouli’s ‘Varanasi’; set pics go viral ‘Their operational influence already diminished’: AAP’s 2022 strategists who cracked ‘Punjab code’ out IPL 2026: KL Rahul poised to overtake MS Dhoni, need 13 runs to… | Cricket News ‘India, US make positive progress in trade talks’ UBSE UK Board Result 2026: What to do if official website is slow? Here’s alternative way to check Class 10, 12 marks Giant leaves ‘Gladiators’ after three seasons; says the departure ‘wasn’t a decision I made’ Top 5 posh areas of Thane for luxury living Is Iran running out of options? Secret letter to Mojtaba Khamenei flags strain, cracks in ‘resistance’ strategy Sensex slides 1k points on oil surge, Rupee fall UBSE UK Board result 2026 declared: How to check class 10th, 12th results; link to download marksheet Nawazuddin Siddiqui dismisses ‘icon’ tag, saying one lifetime falls short to become an actor | Hindi Movie News 4 girlfriends, ‘no feelings’, 12-page death note: How Bengaluru techie allegedly drove fiance to suicide Intel soars 24% on signs of AI boom for CPUs Rajpal Yadav says he ‘won’t go in for a settlement’ in the cheque bounce case, which caused him a Rs 22 crore loss EC suspends five Diamond Harbour cops for alleged misconduct during Bengal assembly elections Netanyahu accuses Hezbollah of ‘sabotaging’ Lebanon peace push, says Donald Trump putting ‘strong pressure’ on Iran SS Rajamouli addresses audience at CCXP Mexico; reveals how Mayan civilisation inspired ‘Baahubali’ – WATCH Rihanna takes over Mumbai in two head-turning looks for Fenty Beauty launch Starting January 1, Deloitte is cutting Parental leave, annual PTO, pension plan, and IVF funding for some employees in the US; company says that it is tailoring benefits to better align … PM Modi during his boat ride KOLKATA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a short break from his hectic Bengal poll campaign schedule on Friday to enjoy an early morning boat ride on the Ganga, which, he said, “flows right through the soul of Bengal”.Modi, who had spent the night at Raj Bhavan, reached Man O War Jetty for a walk around 7am. He spent some time along the banks chatting with morning walkers and then hired a boat for a ride on the Hooghly.Later, he posted on X, “The sacred waters of the Ganga carry forward the eternal consciousness of the entire civilisation… I made a little effort to capture photos of this sacred Ganga. I also saw the Vidyasagar Setu and Howrah Bridge from very close by. Yesterday evening, during the long roadshow from Howrah to Kolkata, I was on Howrah Bridge. And this morning, I saw this bridge from the Hooghly river,” he said.Boatman Prabir Biswas, 44, said it was a little past 7am when some people arrived and hired seven boats.“They didn’t reveal the purpose. It was only when we saw PM Modi descending the ghat steps that we realised today was going to be special,” he said.The PM was allotted a boat rowed by Gouranga Biswas, 72. “I spend most nights on my boat here. The PM came and asked my name in Bengali. I am not good at Hindi. I replied in Bengali,” said Gouranga. The PM paid him Rs 1,000 for the 35-minute ride, Rs 300 more than what they usually charge for an hour.The senior boatman said Modi did not speak much once they were mid-river.“It was only after we returned that he called me over and gave me a tight hug,” said Gouranga. “Ever since the interaction, I am being mobbed by strangers asking me about my feelings. It still feels unreal.”The other boatmen said they were briefed by the PM’s security personnel. “They asked us to follow a formation similar to one used for a VIP cavalcade on the road. A boat with three security personnel stayed in the front, and another with security personnel stayed at the rear. The three other boats surrounded the PM’s boat, keeping some distance. Divers and security personnel also stood at the ghat, keeping a sharp eye.A few other boatmen stayed on the ghat to ensure PM’s boat was safely anchored for him to alight. Mohammed Iftikhar Ahmed, 38, was one of them. “Yahan pe sab mil jul ke rehna, khush rehna (All of you live here together cordially and stay happy),” the PM told him.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 Assembly123Photostories10 adorable three-letter baby girl namesAnupamaa 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 does Aloo Bhujia stick 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 looks123Hot 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 Asha Bhosle watched 3-hour Marathi play day before her passing, reveals grandson: ‘Scolded people there to keep the art alive’ Delhi IRS officer daughter’s rape-murder: Infamous for aggression, accused had violent past; father an alcoholic Cub, adult tiger found dead in Kanha Tiger Reserve, Balaghat; toll rises to 23 in MP | India News Apr 25, 2026, 08:50 IST Mitchell Starc joins Delhi Capitals camp: Will he play against Punjab Kings today? | Cricket News Kcet Answer Key: KCET 2026 provisional answer key likely today after Karnataka exam concludes with massive turnout ‘Vaazha 2’ box office collections day 24: Hashir film crosses 115 Cr India Net; Telugu run gains momentum Explained: What is the Voluntary Retirement Programme that Microsoft is offering to its 8500-plus employees Mamata jabs Modi, says PM can boat on Hooghly, not Yamuna KOLKATA: Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Friday dismissed PM Narendra Modi’s earlymorning boat ride on the Ganga as a photo-op for political gains and dared him to go into the “polluted” Yamuna in Delhi.“Our Ganga is clean. That is why the PM could enjoy the boat ride. Can he do the same in (Delhi’s) Yamuna?” Banerjee said.“This is election politics, photoshopping. You took a boat ride on the Ganga; that’s fine, you are welcome. I go to Chandannagar; I go to Ganga Sagar too. But I challenge you — will you go to the Yamuna in Delhi and take a dip? The Yamuna in Delhi is completely polluted. You cannot manage the Yamuna in Delhi, yet you come to our Ganga and take photos,” the CM said at a rally in Howrah.Addressing a rally in the port area later, she said, “He (the PM) should do a comparison between Bengal’s Ganga and Delhi’s Yamuna. Our Ganga is clean; that is why he could indulge in a boat ride. The event was nothing but a photo-op for political gain.”The CM called the PM’s jhalmuri stopover in Jhargram a “totally staged” act. “Is it believable that he carries a Rs 10 note with him? If you really love Bengal, will you try our fishand-rice once? I will cook it for you,” she said.TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, addressing another public meeting, called PM Modi “Bengal’s biggest brand ambassador”. “Why do they come only during the polls? They should come to Bengal throughout the year. Come and enjoy the delicacies here. Because the PM travelled and made reels, people now know how beautiful Bengal is and the development Mamata govt has done here. Had he not campaigned like this, would people have seen how the rivers of Bengal are so clean and beautiful, or how the roads of Jhargram are so nice?” he said.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 Assembly123Photostories10 adorable three-letter baby girl namesAnupamaa 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 does Aloo Bhujia stick 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 looks123Hot 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 Helena Bonham Carter EXITS ‘The White Lotus’ Season 4; Role to be rewritten and recast amid ongoing shooting schedule ED conducts raids in Kolkata, North 24 Parganas in ration scam probe . NEW DELHI: When AAP announced its Rajya Sabha nominees from Punjab in 2022, the spotlight was not on Lovely Professional University founder Ashok Mittal or cricketer Harbhajan Singh, but on the relatively unknown Sandeep Pathak. Having stayed away from public visibility since joining the party in 2016, Pathak’s low profile contrasted sharply with his growing influence within AAP’s core leadership.On Friday, as the defection of seven RS MPs to BJP shook the 14-year-old party, it was Pathak’s exit that caused the deepest concern internally. Watch Meet The 7 AAP MPs Who Resigned And Joined BJP In Big Political Shock To KejriwalParty leaders said that while the departures of Raghav Chadha and Swati Maliwal — both estranged from the leadership — were anticipated, Pathak’s move was unexpected. “The ED raids at Ashok Mittal’s business establishments and home had prepared us for the eventuality of his departure. The other businessmen seem to have followed suit as a preemptive measure. The others, like Harbhajan, have not been very active within the party. Pathak is the outlier. He is not just another MP. He has been part of AAP’s core group since at least 2018,” a party functionary said.Four of the defectors — Mittal, Harbhajan, Vikram Sahney and Rajinder Gupta — had no engagement with AAP’s precursor, India Against Corruption or the party before it became a political force. Their nominations at the cost of those who were part of the anti-graft movement had sparked chatter, and many had pointed out that they were vulnerable to overtures from rivals.Appointed national general secretary in 2022 and part of AAP’s political affairs committee — the party’s highest decision-making body — Pathak was widely credited as a key strategist behind the party’s Punjab victory. His journey began at the Delhi Dialogue Commission with Ashish Khetan, later gaining Arvind Kejriwal’s trust through electoral survey work in Punjab and Gujarat. So close was he to Kejriwal that he was among the three people allowed to meet him in jail — the other two being Sunita Kejriwal and Bibhav Kumar,” a former party functionary said.AAP sources called Pathak’s pivot to the BJP a result of his father’s links with the party. “His father is a party functionary in Chhattisgarh. His roots are there,” sources said.About the AuthorMallica JoshiMallica Joshi is Chief Reporter, Metro. She has been writing on policy, politics, education and environment for 16 years.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 does Aloo Bhujia stick 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 Apr 25, 2026, 08:24 IST How Shreyas Iyer’s red-hot form is fueling his rise in India’s T20I leadership scheme ‘Economic Fury’: US sanctions China’s ‘teapot’ refinery & 40 shipping companies, tightens pressure on Iran oil trade