Kejriwal scrambles to hold AAP ranks, shield Punjab govt after RS MPs rock the boat

Following the defection of seven of its Rajya Sabha MPs to the BJP, AAP is reaching out to its remaining MPs and MLAs across Delhi, Punjab, Gujarat and Goa to keep its flock together, with a focus on Punjab, the party’s only state government after its loss in the Delhi Assembly elections last year.

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and senior leaders are holding daily meetings and calls with MLAs to dissuade them from leaving the party. The AAP is expected to hold a meeting of all its 94 Punjab MLAs in Jalandhar on Wednesday (April 29). Additionally, it is learnt that Kejriwal is personally calling up party MLAs in Delhi, Goa and Gujarat.

AAP moves to contain crisis

Sources say Kejriwal is listening to the grievances and suggestions of MLAs. The AAP has initiated damage control in Punjab, the state from where six of its Rajya Sabha MPs switched loyalty to the BJP.

Also read | Punjab power play: Raghav Chadha's BJP switch sparks anti-defection debate | AI with Sanket

The exit of these MPs has caused unease among several AAP MLAs, as two of them – Raghav Chadha and Sandeep Pathak – were instrumental in recommending many of them as candidates in the 2022 Assembly polls. “Many of them (MLAs) are in touch with these two leaders,” said a source. The Jalandhar meet is aimed at containing any cracks within the party unit. Kejriwal is also expected to join the meeting online, sources said.

AAP’s Rajya Sabha floor leader Sanjay Singh told The Federal that the party would counter any “Operation Lotus” by the BJP. “We are going to launch Operation Pitai against them. We will respond strongly,” he said. When pressed for details, he added, “Please talk to Manishji.” The Federal tried to reach AAP’s Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia, but he did not respond.

“In its attempt to defeat democracy everywhere, the BJP is using everything possible. They are using the ED, CBI and money. If you cannot be lured with money, you will be threatened with the ED or CBI, or offered positions. They may even target your family, business or survival. They can do anything,” said another AAP leader.

Damage control in full swing

The leader said that following the recent setback, the party leadership is holding daily internal meetings.

“We were never off that practice, but lately we have been holding more frequent meetings away from media glare. An informal PAC (Political Affairs Committee) meeting has already taken place. All members were called,” said an AAP insider.

While the party is unsure it can fully hold its flock together, insiders say all efforts are being made to prevent further defections.

At present, the leader claimed that there is “not a single MLA” likely to defect. “We are holding meetings. We are all in touch. Our house is in order,” the AAP leader added.

Kejriwal warns party leaders

According to sources, Kejriwal is telling party leaders in these meetings that their political careers would end if they leave the AAP.

“Whoever leaves our party loses their political career. Those who left have not had successful careers. We cite examples like Kailash Gahlot. Where is he today? Does anyone know him? Similarly, others who left, where are they now? We are telling our people this,” said a source.

Gahlot was among Kejriwal’s trusted aides and a minister in the Delhi government. Ahead of the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, he resigned from the party citing “grave challenges” and internal conflicts, including the “Sheeshmahal” controversy. He is now a BJP MLA.

During deliberations, some AAP leaders said there should be no “attacks” on the recently defected MPs, as that would make them “unnecessarily big.” “They didn’t have political currency. It is AAP that made them. I admit Sandeep Pathak’s move was surprising. But then, this is politics,” said another AAP leader.

AAP weighs legal recourse

Meanwhile, the party will approach the Supreme Court if Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan does not give a favourable ruling on Sanjay Singh’s petition seeking disqualification of the seven MPs who defected to the BJP.

Also read | ‘Anti-defection law clear; MPs can’t merge alone’ | Lok Sabha ex-secy PDT Achary interview

The AAP argues that the defections violate the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. It says the MPs were elected on an AAP ticket but later joined the BJP, amounting to defection under the anti-defection law. The seven MPs, who represent more than two-thirds of AAP’s 10-member Rajya Sabha strength, claim protection on the grounds that they can merge with the BJP without disqualification. However, the AAP contends that a valid merger requires the original political party itself to merge. Since the central leadership has not taken such a decision, the party argues the split has no legal validity.

“We have already submitted our representation to the Rajya Sabha Chairman. A reply is awaited. If it is not favourable, we will move the Supreme Court,” a senior AAP leader confirmed to The Federal.