Anna Hazare Calls AAP Leadership “Power Hungry” After 7 MPs Join BJP

New Delhi: Social activist Anna Hazare on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership following the exit of seven Rajya Sabha MPs, including high-profile leader Raghav Chadha. Hazare attributed the political crisis to the party “prioritising power and money” over the principles of social service.

The defecting MPs have officially announced their decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a move that significantly weakens AAP’s presence in the Upper House.

“Selfishness Has Crept In”: Hazare

Speaking to reporters, the veteran activist—who was once the face of the anti-corruption movement that birthed the AAP—alleged that internal issues and a shift in ideology led to the mass departure.

“If any leader makes an exit, it is the mistake of the party. If AAP had functioned properly, its leaders would not have left,” Hazare claimed. He further added that when leaders forget their duty to society and the country in favour of “selfishness,” the party’s foundation begins to crumble.

Hazare emphasized that in a democracy, individuals have the right to choose their path but maintained that the exodus is a direct reflection of the AAP leadership’s failures.

Raghav Chadha Cites Loss of “Honest Politics”

Earlier in the day, Raghav Chadha, the former Deputy Leader of the party in the Rajya Sabha, justified the decision to merge their parliamentary faction with the BJP. Chadha, who has been associated with Arvind Kejriwal for 15 years, expressed deep disillusionment.

“The AAP that I gave 15 years of my life to has now stepped away from honest politics,” Chadha said during a press conference. “I am the right man in the wrong party. I am moving away from the party and going closer to the people.”

Political Shift in the Rajya Sabha

The switchover was formalized during a meeting with BJP President Nitin Nabin, who welcomed Chadha and fellow MPs Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal with sweets.

With seven out of its ten Rajya Sabha members crossing over to the BJP, the AAP faces a severe structural and reputational blow. The defection not only alters the numbers in the Upper House but also bolsters the BJP’s narrative ahead of future electoral battles.