“Raghav Chadha was following BJP line for long time”: Punjab Minister Balbir Singh on AAP Rajya Sabha split
New Delhi [India], April 25 (ANI): Punjab Minister Balbir Singh reacted to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MPs joining the BJP, alleging that some leaders had been aligned with the BJP's line for a long time.
Speaking to ANI on Saturday, he said, "Like the raids were happening, it seems that the BJP is going to do something. Raghav Chadha was following the BJP line for a long time and not the AAP's line."
Balbir Singh further added that the party and the Punjab government would continue working, while making sharp remarks against the leaders who had exited the party.
"It does not matter, AAP, Punjab Government will continue to work well," he said, adding, "Raghav Chadha has joined what was called a party of illiterates and goons. If he has any morality, he should resign from the Rajya Sabha and then join the BJP."
Punjab Minister Harpal Singh Cheema also reacted strongly, accusing the BJP of undermining democratic institutions.
Cheema alleged that the BJP was weakening constitutional values and said, "The BJP has tampered with the country's constitution. They have tampered with the country's democracy."
He further asserted that AAP would continue its political struggle, stating, "AAP will fight to save the constitution."
Targeting the leaders who exited the party, he said their decision had caused disappointment among supporters. "Those who have left AAP have hurt the sentiments of millions of Punjabis," he said.
Cheema also warned of strong public sentiment against the BJP in Punjab, adding, "The people of Punjab will never forgive the BJP."
Reiterating AAP's resolve, he concluded, "We are not afraid of the BJP, we will stand firm and fight, and give them a befitting reply."
Meanwhile, BJP leader RP Singh said internal dissatisfaction in AAP has led to repeated exits from the party.
He said, "People in his party are dissatisfied, and this is not just a recent incident."
Providing further examples, he added, "Be it Yogendra Yadav, Shazia Ilmi, Prashant Bhushan, Kumar Vishwas, and many others, people have left AAP. It is clear that people in his party are unhappy with his actions."
The comments came after the Aam Aadmi Party suffered a major setback after its Rajya Sabha MPs, including Raghav Chadha, who was removed as the party's deputy leader in Rajya Sabha earlier, joined the rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday.
While addressing a presser in the national capital on Friday, Chadha formalised a split that had been building for weeks, announcing that two-thirds of the party's Upper House members would merge with the BJP.
The trio MPs — Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal — announced a split in the party and joined the BJP later in the presence of party chief Nitin Nabin, who welcomed the decision.
The move triggered furious reactions from AAP leaders while drawing a warm welcome from the BJP. (ANI)
Key Insights
- This topic is currently trending
- Experts are closely monitoring developments
- It may impact future decisions
