India
oi-Swastika Sruti
A day after a major political shift, tensions rose in Punjab as workers of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) staged protests against former party leaders who recently joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Tensions rose in Punjab after seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs, including Raghav Chadha, merged with the BJP, prompting protests from AAP workers who called the leaders traitors. The MPs cited party disillusionment, while AAP alleged BJP’s ‘Operation Lotus’ aimed at weakening the party.
The protests came after seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs, led by Raghav Chadha, merged with the BJP. The move has triggered strong reactions from party supporters across the state.
Angry Workers Call Leaders “Traitors”
AAP workers expressed their anger openly, calling the leaders “gaddar” (traitors). Protests were reported in multiple cities across Punjab.
Absolute Cinema in Punjab 🔥
Angry People wrote “ GADDAR ” outside the residence of Harbhajan Singh who joined BJP.
They have finished their political careers with this betrayal. pic.twitter.com/XLgR5kemQg
— Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRaii) April 25, 2026“>
Among those targeted were:
- Harbhajan Singh
- Ashok Mittal
- Sandeep Pathak
Protesters spray-painted slogans on the walls and gates of their homes. Properties in Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Phagwara saw demonstrations, with slogans like “Punjab de Gaddar” being raised.
At the Phagwara campus of Lovely Professional University, owned by Mittal, posters were also defaced by protestors.
#WATCH | Jalandhar, Punjab: AAP workers express their resentment against Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh as they wrote “Gaddar” on the walls of his residence in Jalandhar.
Raghav Chadha, Harbhajan Singh, along with 2/3rd MPs of AAP, merged with the BJP yesterday. pic.twitter.com/PGiFKwlt0I
— ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2026“>
More Leaders Join the Exit
Apart from Chadha, Singh, Mittal, and Pathak, other MPs who left AAP include:
- Swati Maliwal
- Vikram Singh Sahney
- Rajinder Gupta
Despite leaving the party, all seven MPs will continue as Rajya Sabha members. This is because they represent two-thirds of AAP’s strength in the Upper House, allowing them to legally merge with another party.
AAP Shares Protest Videos, Blames BJP
AAP’s Punjab unit shared videos of protests on social media, claiming that people across the state are angry with the MPs.
The party accused the leaders of betraying Punjab and alleged that the BJP is trying to weaken AAP’s growing influence. Some leaders even described the move as part of “Operation Lotus,” a term often used by opposition parties to accuse the BJP of engineering defections.
AAP youth leader Parminder Goldy, who led one of the protests, claimed that the BJP is “trying to destabilise” the party because it feels threatened by AAP’s governance.
Chadha Responds: “We Left Out of Disgust”
Responding to criticism, Raghav Chadha strongly denied that fear was the reason behind the exit.
He said the decision was based on disappointment with the party’s current direction. According to Chadha, AAP has moved away from its original values and principles.
He stated that many hardworking and honest members now feel there is no space left for them in the party. He added that the MPs left not out of fear, but because they were “disgusted” with how the party is functioning.
Political Tensions Likely to Grow
The situation has deepened the political divide between AAP and BJP, especially in Punjab. The strong protests show that the issue has sparked emotional reactions among party workers and supporters.
With accusations, counter-claims, and public anger on display, the coming days are likely to see more political clashes as both sides try to control the narrative.
This episode marks a significant moment in Indian politics, highlighting internal rifts within AAP and the growing intensity of party rivalries.
