Why AAP MPs escaped anti-defection law and how their move affects the party

Team TOI PlusTNN
Apr 27, 2026 | 13:05 IST

Legal experts explained why the anti-defection law wasn’t applicable to the MPs and party leaders said they’re very surprised by one MP’s desertion

Seven of the 10 Rajya Sabha MPs of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) joined BJP on Friday, in a jolt to the party ahead of next year’s election in Punjab, the only state where it is in office. The defection comes at a time when former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has intensified his campaign against BJP after his discharge in the excise policy case.

The MPs who crossed over are:
• Raghav Chadha, a prominent face of the party
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