AAP Faces Rebellion in Punjab as 63 MLAs Back Raghav Chadha: Reports

New Delhi: A day after a major political setback, the Aam Aadmi Party is now reportedly facing a deeper internal rebellion in Punjab, with reports suggesting that several MLAs are in touch with former AAP leader Raghav Chadha.

Sources indicate that as many as 63 Punjab MLAs are reportedly backing Chadha, raising speculation about a possible shift in the state’s political landscape. 

With the Punjab Assembly comprising 117 seats, any significant realignment could have major implications for the Bhagwant Mann-led government.

Uncertainty looms over Punjab AAP

According to sources, if Chadha is able to garner support from more MLAs, it could potentially lead to a leadership challenge within the party in Punjab.

There are also indications in political circles that Chadha could emerge as a possible chief ministerial face, although no official confirmation has been made.

Earlier, around 15 to 18 MLAs were reportedly unhappy with the party and were in touch with other political outfits. 

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had also held a closed-door meeting with MLAs and ministers in Jalandhar on April 16, where he reportedly warned against internal dissent.

Who Are The 7 MPs Who Dumped AAP For BJP?

In a significant blow to AAP, seven of its Rajya Sabha MPs have resigned from the party and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party.

The leaders who have defected include Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal, Sandeep Pathak, Harbhajan Singh, Vikram Sahney, Swati Maliwal, and Rajendra Gupta.

With these exits, AAP’s strength in the Rajya Sabha has dropped sharply from 10 members to just three.

Raghav Chadha’s Exit

The mass resignation came days after AAP removed Raghav Chadha from the post of deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, amid reports of an internal rift between him and the party leadership.

Raghav Chadha, a Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab, resigned from AAP and joined the BJP on April 24, 2026, setting off a major political upheaval within the party. 

His exit, along with other MPs, has exposed internal rifts within AAP’s parliamentary wing. Party leaders have accused Chadha of “backstabbing” and alleged that the BJP is attempting to engineer defections to weaken AAP, particularly in Punjab.

Ashok Mittal’s Move Raises Eyebrows

Ashok Mittal’s resignation has come as a surprise, especially since he was recently appointed as AAP’s deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, replacing Chadha.

Mittal, a Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab since April 2022, is part of several parliamentary committees, including defence and finance. Notably, he had earlier defended Chadha amid speculation about his switch, calling him a “senior leader” and reiterating AAP’s internal democracy.

His exit comes after the ED raids.

The situation escalated after seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs, including Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal, Sandeep Pathak, Harbhajan Singh, Vikram Sahney, Swati Maliwal and Rajendra Gupta, resigned from the party on April 24, 2026.

The leaders joined the BJP shortly after their resignation, marking a significant blow to AAP’s presence in the Upper House.

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