ROHTAK, HARYANA — Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Anurag Dhanda on Friday strongly criticised the reported defection of party leaders, including Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing them of betrayal and alleging sustained political pressure by the ruling party.
Addressing the media in Rohtak, Dhanda said that those who leave their party for political convenience would be judged harshly by history. Drawing comparisons with prominent figures from India’s freedom struggle such as Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Bhagat Singh, he said that great leaders chose the path of struggle rather than compromise.
He remarked that while historical figures could have chosen easier paths under colonial rule, they instead stood firm in their convictions, which is why they are remembered. In contrast, Dhanda suggested that those who abandon their party for personal or political gain risk being seen negatively in public memory.
Dhanda also referred to internal party action, stating that senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh has written to the appropriate authority seeking the termination of the Rajya Sabha membership of those who have allegedly left the party. He argued that individuals who have defected no longer have the legal or moral right to continue as representatives under the party’s banner.
He added that the matter would be pursued through institutional mechanisms, and expressed confidence that appropriate action would be taken regarding their membership status.
The AAP leader further alleged that the BJP is attempting to weaken his party through various means, including encouraging defections and applying pressure through investigative agencies. He claimed that such actions reflect the ruling party’s concern over AAP’s growing political presence.
According to Dhanda, the BJP is particularly uneasy about AAP’s expansion in states like Gujarat, where the party has been trying to strengthen its organisational base. He said that AAP’s increasing popularity has led to attempts to disrupt its activities.
He alleged that the BJP and the central government have gone beyond political strategies and have also taken steps to restrict AAP’s digital outreach, claiming that the party’s social media handles in Gujarat, including Instagram and Facebook, have been targeted.
Dhanda said that such actions raise concerns about freedom of political expression and fair competition, particularly in a democratic system where parties should be allowed to engage with the public openly.
Despite these challenges, he asserted that AAP would continue to grow stronger. He claimed that the departure of certain leaders would not weaken the party but instead strengthen its core organisation and commitment.
He also expressed confidence that the public, particularly in Punjab and other regions, would respond to these developments and make their views known through democratic means.
Political observers note that defections and allegations of political pressure are common in India’s competitive political landscape, often leading to sharp exchanges between parties. Dhanda’s remarks reflect AAP’s attempt to frame the narrative around loyalty, political ethics, and institutional fairness.
The BJP has, in the past, rejected similar allegations, maintaining that leaders join the party voluntarily based on its ideology and governance record.
Dhanda concluded by reiterating that the Aam Aadmi Party remains committed to its principles and will continue to work towards expanding its reach and engaging with the public, despite what he described as political and institutional challenges.
The statement highlights intensifying political tensions, with AAP accusing the BJP of pressure tactics while positioning itself as a party focused on growth and resilience in the face of adversity.
