The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of engineering a defection after 16 breakaway councillors from the AAP merged with the BJP in Delhi. The move comes ahead of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) elections scheduled for 2026. AAP leaders claim the defection was orchestrated to weaken the party's position in the civic body.
Details of the Defection
The 16 councillors, who had earlier left the AAP, formally merged with the BJP on Wednesday. The development was confirmed by both parties. AAP convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged that the BJP used money and power to lure the councillors. "This is a clear example of the BJP's undemocratic tactics. They are afraid of losing the MCD polls and are trying to destabilize us," Kejriwal said.
The BJP, however, dismissed the allegations, stating that the councillors joined voluntarily due to dissatisfaction with AAP's governance. "These councillors have seen the failures of the AAP government and have chosen to work with us for the development of Delhi," said a BJP spokesperson.
Impact on MCD Polls
The defection is expected to impact the upcoming MCD elections, which are likely to be held in 2026. The AAP currently holds a majority in the MCD, but the loss of 16 councillors could reduce its strength. Political analysts suggest that the BJP is aiming to regain control of the municipal body after losing it to AAP in the last elections.
According to sources, the AAP is planning to approach the Election Commission and the Delhi High Court to challenge the merger. The party has also called for a meeting of its remaining councillors to discuss the strategy.
Reactions from Political Parties
The Congress party criticized both AAP and BJP, calling the defection a "betrayal of democracy." Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit said, "Both parties are indulging in horse-trading to gain political mileage. The people of Delhi deserve better."
Meanwhile, the AAP has accused the BJP of using central agencies to pressure the councillors. "The ED and CBI are being used to intimidate our leaders. This is a new low in politics," said AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bhardwaj.
The BJP denied any use of central agencies and maintained that the defection was a natural outcome of AAP's failures. "The people of Delhi have rejected AAP's policies, and these councillors have also realized it," said a BJP leader.
