Rajya Sabha Chairman Recognizes AAP-BJP Merger
NEW DELHI — In a move that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan has officially recognized the merger of seven Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) defectors with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The decision, finalized on April 26, 2026, was reflected in an updated party-wise membership list released by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat. The move effectively transfers the majority of AAP’s Upper House presence to the ruling party.
The New Math of the Upper House
The recognition of this merger has significantly altered the numerical strength of the Rajya Sabha:
- BJP Gains: The ruling party’s strength has risen to 113 members, bringing it closer to a commanding majority in the 245-member house.
- Opposition Gap: The Indian National Congress remains the largest opposition party but lags far behind with only 29 members.
- AAP’s Shrinking Footprint: With seven of its ten members now officially counted as BJP MPs, the AAP’s influence in the Upper House has been severely diminished.
Legal Battle Looming
Despite the Chairman’s recognition of the merger, the AAP leadership is not backing down. The party has filed a formal petition seeking the disqualification of the seven MPs under the Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law).
The AAP argues that:
- A “merger” can only be recognized if the original political party (the organization itself) merges, not just the legislative wing.
- The defectors’ move is a “fraud on the Constitution” and should lead to the termination of their membership.
What Happens Next?
While the Secretariat has updated its list, the disqualification petition remains a separate quasi-judicial process. The Chairman will have to hear the arguments from both the AAP and the defecting group—led by Raghav Chadha—before making a final ruling on whether they can keep their seats or must face re-election.