'Changing parties for selfish needs...' Anna Hazare on Raghav Chadha’s move to BJP

Mumbai: Social activist Anna Hazare on Saturday criticised Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha for leaving the Aam Aadmi Party and joining the Bharatiya Janata Party, stating that shifting political allegiance for personal interests is “not right” and goes against constitutional principles.

Hazare underlined that elected representatives must act in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution and avoid decisions motivated by personal gain. He said that democratic ethics should remain paramount in political life.

Speaking to media, Hazare said, “Leaving one party and joining another party is not right. Changing political parties for our selfish needs is not the right thing. This is not mentioned in our Constitution. Our Constitution is supreme. Our country functions based on the Constitution.”

Hazare’s role in AAP’s origins

Hazare had been the central figure and ideological guide behind the formation of the Aam Aadmi Party, which emerged from his anti-corruption movement in 2011. However, he later distanced himself from Arvind Kejriwal after the group transitioned into mainstream politics.

Chadha and other MPs exit AAP, join BJP

Hazare’s comments come amid heightened political developments following the decision of MPs Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal to leave AAP on Friday. The trio later joined the BJP in the presence of party chief Nitin Nabin, who welcomed their move.

During a press conference in the national capital, Chadha stated that he, along with six AAP Rajya Sabha MPs, had formally informed the Chairman of the House about their resignation from the party in accordance with established rules. The Aam Aadmi Party is also expected to send a letter to the Rajya Sabha Chairman regarding the matter.

Split formalised after weeks of tension

Chadha confirmed that the division within the party had been developing over several weeks. He announced that nearly two-thirds of AAP’s members in the Upper House would merge with the BJP.

AAP weighs response and future course

In response to the situation, AAP has initiated internal discussions to determine its next steps. Party leaders are deliberating on the implications of the split and potential strategies moving forward.

Late on Friday night, senior leader Manish Sisodia met party convenor Arvind Kejriwal at his residence after returning from Gujarat. Sisodia had been in Rajkot campaigning for the party in the Gujarat municipal elections.

According to party sources, “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.”

Move to invoke anti-defection law

Sources within the party indicated that the chief whip in the Upper House, ND Gupta, is set to write to the Rajya Sabha Chairman regarding the actions of 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,” a party source said.

Agency inputs