The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) launched a fierce attack on Raghav Chadha on Monday after he compared leaving the party to changing jobs, accusing him of conspiring with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In a video shared on X, AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj stated that even in a job change, a three-month notice period is required.
Bharadwaj's Response to Chadha's Statement
Bharadwaj said, 'I just saw a video of Raghav where he says that just like people change jobs or companies, he has changed his party. I want to say that when we change jobs or work in a company, it has nothing to do with ideology. You join and stay in a political party because of ideology. Still, I would say that if Raghav was not comfortable in that party, he had every right to leave. But even when you change jobs within a company, you give a three-month notice. You inform your employer that you are moving to a new company and take time to transfer your knowledge. Since you have worked there for years, it is your responsibility. You don’t conspire to destroy the company you are leaving.'
Allegations of Coordination with BJP
Bharadwaj further alleged that Raghav Chadha entered into a conspiracy with the BJP after the Enforcement Directorate tightened its grip on him. 'What did you do instead? When the ED tightened its grip on you, you decided to join the BJP, but you did not tell anyone. You entered into a conspiracy with the BJP. From day one, the BJP was part of this. The idea, as claimed, was to build an image of an independent, middle-class, youth leader raising issues, and the BJP would support it. How would they support it? Issues already in the central government’s pipeline—like cheaper food at airports, changes in mobile recharge rules by TRAI, paternity leave, or measures for gig workers like Zomato and Swiggy employees—would be flagged to Raghav. He would raise them, quick action would follow, and his popularity would grow, creating a ‘neutral’ image.'
'The central government always had the chance to publicly say these were already its initiatives, but it didn’t contradict him. Why? Because, as alleged, there was coordination between Raghav and the BJP. The government was helping build his image,' Bharadwaj added.
Chadha's Defense
Earlier, Chadha addressed criticism surrounding his decision to join the BJP in a video shared on Instagram. He said he had been receiving a large number of messages following his announcement. 'For the past three days, I have been getting a lot of messages from all of you. Most of you are giving me best wishes and congratulating me, while some want to know the reasons behind my decision,' he said.
Chadha stated that he had devoted 15 years of his youth to the Aam Aadmi Party, describing himself as a founding member. 'I didn’t come into politics to make my career. I became a founding member of a political party. I gave 15 years of my prime youth to this party with my blood, sweat and hard work,' he said.
Responding to criticism that the exit was driven by pressure or fear, Chadha rejected the allegation. 'We did not leave out of fear but because of disappointment, disenchantment and disgust,' he said. He further asserted that despite leaving AAP, he would continue his political engagement and public outreach. 'I will continue to raise your problems with more energy and enthusiasm,' he said.
Social Media Backlash
Within 24 hours of announcing his exit from AAP and joining the BJP, Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha reportedly saw a sharp decline in his Instagram following, losing over 1 million followers—a number that later rose to nearly 2 million. His move also triggered a strong backlash on social media, with several of his supporters criticizing his decision to join the BJP. In addition, his old video clips and past statements in which he had criticized the BJP resurfaced online, further intensifying the debate around his political shift.
