A major political development unfolded on Friday as Raghav Chadha announced his decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party, claiming that a significant section of the Aam Aadmi Party’s Rajya Sabha members will also merge with the ruling party.

Addressing a press conference, Chadha said that nearly two-thirds of AAP’s Members of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha have decided to move to the BJP. He added that the decision has been formally communicated to the Chairman of the Upper House.

According to available information, AAP currently has around 10 MPs in the Rajya Sabha, which means roughly 6 to 7 members could be part of this shift.

Chadha described the move as a political and ideological decision, alleging that AAP had moved away from its original principles of clean and honest governance. He stated that he had been associated with the party for over a decade but now felt compelled to take a different path.

Several other MPs, including leaders like Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal, were also present during the announcement and are expected to be part of the transition.

Political reactions and implications

The development is being seen as a major setback for AAP and its leadership under Arvind Kejriwal. The party has accused Chadha of betraying its mandate, while also criticising the BJP over the development.

On the other hand, the move could strengthen the BJP’s position in the Rajya Sabha, potentially aiding its legislative agenda in the Upper House.

Importantly, the merger may not attract disqualification under the anti-defection law, as Indian constitutional provisions allow such a shift if two-thirds of a party’s legislators agree to merge with another party.

This marks one of the most significant political realignments involving AAP in recent years and could have wider implications for opposition politics at the national level.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has made a strong political statement during the ongoing West Bengal assembly elections 2026, saying her party will aim for a larger role at the national level after securing victory in the state.

Addressing a rally, Banerjee said that once her party wins the Bengal elections, it will move forward to “take over Delhi,” indicating a broader political strategy beyond the state. The remark comes at a time when campaigning has intensified across constituencies.

Her statement is being seen as part of a wider push by the Trinamool Congress to position itself as a key force against the Bharatiya Janata Party at the national level.

Banerjee has repeatedly expressed confidence that her party will return to power in West Bengal, aiming for another consecutive term.

Political context

The West Bengal elections have witnessed aggressive campaigning from both the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP. Leaders from both sides have exchanged sharp remarks, highlighting the high-stakes nature of the contest.

Banerjee’s latest comment adds to her earlier calls for opposition unity and signals her intent to expand political influence beyond the state. Similar remarks in recent weeks have indicated that her party sees the Bengal result as a stepping stone toward a larger national role.

At the same time, BJP leaders have projected confidence about their performance in the elections, further intensifying the political contest.

High-stakes election

The 2026 West Bengal assembly elections are crucial for both parties, with the Trinamool Congress seeking to retain power and the BJP aiming to make significant inroads in the state.

Banerjee’s “Delhi” remark underscores the broader national implications of the election, as regional parties increasingly position themselves in the national political landscape.

The Gauhati High Court has rejected the anticipatory bail plea filed by Congress leader Pawan Khera in connection with a criminal case registered in Assam.

The case stems from a complaint filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, following remarks made by Khera earlier this month.

A single-judge bench heard arguments from both sides earlier this week and reserved its order before delivering the verdict on Friday. With the rejection of anticipatory bail, Khera no longer has protection from arrest in the case.

Background of the case

The FIR against Pawan Khera was lodged after he made allegations during a press conference on April 5, claiming that the Chief Minister’s wife possessed multiple passports and undisclosed overseas assets.

Following these statements, legal proceedings were initiated in Assam, invoking multiple charges including defamation, cheating, and forgery.

Arguments in court

During the hearing, Khera’s legal team argued that the case was politically motivated and that arrest was not necessary, asserting that he was not a flight risk.

On the other hand, the Assam government opposed the plea, stating that the case involved serious offences beyond simple defamation and required custodial investigation.

Supreme Court’s earlier stance

Before approaching the Gauhati High Court, Khera had sought protection from arrest from the Supreme Court. However, the apex court declined to extend relief and directed him to approach the appropriate court in Assam.

What happens next

With the High Court denying anticipatory bail, the legal proceedings against Khera are set to continue, and he may now face arrest depending on the course of the investigation.

The case has also triggered political reactions, adding to tensions between the Congress and the Assam government.