In a significant political development, Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha and six other Members of Parliament from the Aam Aadmi Party resigned from the party and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday. The mass defection deals a severe blow to the AAP, which is already facing challenges in several states.
Raghav Chadha and Six Other AAP MPs Join BJP
The seven MPs, including Raghav Chadha, submitted their resignations to the Rajya Sabha Chairman and later met with BJP President J.P. Nadda to formally join the ruling party. Chadha, who was the national spokesperson of AAP, cited dissatisfaction with the party's direction and praised the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The other six MPs include prominent figures from Punjab and Delhi.
The defection is being seen as a major victory for the BJP ahead of the upcoming state elections. Political analysts believe that the move could trigger further exits from the AAP and strengthen the BJP's presence in the Upper House.
Opposition Moves Fresh Notice to Remove Gyanesh Kumar as CEC
Meanwhile, the Opposition parties have submitted a fresh notice to the government seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The notice, signed by leaders from the Congress, TMC, DMK, and other parties, alleges that Kumar has been biased in conducting recent elections and has failed to ensure a level playing field.
The Opposition claims that Kumar's actions have undermined the credibility of the Election Commission. The notice demands that the government initiate proceedings for his removal under Article 324 of the Constitution. The government has not yet responded to the notice.
Other Top Stories This Evening
- Economy: India's GDP growth for the fourth quarter of 2025-26 is projected at 7.2%, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Statistics.
- Technology: The government announced a new policy to boost semiconductor manufacturing in India, with incentives worth $10 billion.
- Sports: The Indian cricket team won the third Test against Australia by 8 wickets, taking a 2-1 lead in the series.
- Health: The Ministry of Health reported a decline in COVID-19 cases, with the daily positivity rate dropping below 2%.
These stories and more are making headlines this evening. Stay tuned for further updates.
