05 May,2026 01:16 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
President Droupadi Murmu, along with BJP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, MP Ashok Kumar Mittal (E-L), and others, poses for a photo at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi. Pic/X
Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Tuesday alleged that leaders who recently exited the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are facing harassment and politically motivated action. Chadha, along with three other MPs, met President Droupadi Murmu and submitted a formal representation detailing their concerns, reported PTI.
After the meeting, Chadha told reporters that the delegation had presented multiple instances of alleged intimidation and coercion faced by former AAP MPs following their decision to switch parties. He claimed that exercising their constitutional right to dissent had led to them being targeted. According to him, leaders who were once praised within the party are now being labelled negatively after their exit, reported PTI.
Chadha accused the AAP-led government in Punjab, headed by Bhagwant Mann, of engaging in "vendetta politics" by misusing state machinery. He alleged that since April 24, when the MPs left AAP and merged with the BJP, actions have been taken against them through various state agencies.
Citing examples, Chadha claimed that Harbhajan Singh was targeted, with incidents reported outside his residence. He also alleged that industrialist and MP Rajendra Gupta faced disruption to his business operations, including alleged action by regulatory authorities affecting his factory in Punjab, reported PTI.
He further stated that cases registered against Sandeep Pathak were "malicious and fabricated," expressing confidence that the judiciary would dismiss them.
Chadha warned that using institutions such as vigilance departments, pollution control bodies, and the police for political purposes could have serious consequences. He described such actions as a "dangerous game" and urged the state government to stop what he called politically driven targeting, reported PTI.
The MP also appealed to government officials in Punjab to act independently and not succumb to political pressure. He urged them to follow the law and maintain neutrality in their duties, reported PTI.
Taking a broader swipe at AAP, Chadha said that leaders who often invoke ideals of Mahatma Gandhi are now, according to him, misusing state power for political ends. He added that the people of Punjab deserve transparency on how governance is being conducted, reported PTI.
The allegations are likely to intensify the political confrontation between AAP and BJP, particularly in Punjab, where tensions have escalated following the recent political realignments.
(With inputs from PTI)
