Raghav Chadha Meets President Droupadi Murmu, Claims Former AAP MPs Faced Harassment After Joining BJP

NEW DELHI, May 5: Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Tuesday accused the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab Government of pursuing “political vendetta” against leaders who recently left the party and joined the BJP in the Rajya Sabha. Chadha, accompanied by three other MPs, met President Droupadi Murmu and submitted a detailed representation highlighting what he described as harassment and politically driven actions against former AAP members.
Addressing reporters after the meeting, Chadha said the delegation informed the President about a series of developments that allegedly began after the MPs resigned from AAP on April 24 and aligned with the BJP. He claimed that leaders who once enjoyed the party’s support were suddenly labelled corrupt and disloyal after choosing a different political path.
According to Chadha, several former AAP parliamentarians are now facing intimidation, pressure tactics and action through state agencies. He accused the Punjab Government of using administrative departments and law enforcement bodies to target dissenting voices.
Referring to former cricketer and Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh, Chadha alleged that threatening slogans were written outside his residence and that stones were thrown at his house. He further claimed that offensive remarks were directed at the cricketer’s family, alleging that local authorities failed to prevent such incidents.
Chadha also raised concerns over alleged action against businessman and Rajya Sabha MP Rajendra Gupta. He said Gupta’s industrial unit in Punjab’s Malwa region, which reportedly supports thousands of workers, faced administrative pressure through water supply disruption and inspections by the Pollution Control Board. Chadha alleged these actions were intended to disrupt business operations and create fear among political opponents.
The MP further claimed that legal cases filed against BJP MP Sandeep Pathak were “fabricated” and politically motivated. He asserted that the notices and FIRs lacked merit and would not withstand judicial scrutiny.
Warning against the alleged misuse of state institutions, Chadha said deploying vigilance agencies, police authorities and regulatory bodies for political purposes could damage democratic values. He cautioned the Punjab Government against continuing what he termed a “dangerous political game.”
The Rajya Sabha MP also claimed that efforts were underway to implicate him in false cases and accused certain groups of running coordinated social media campaigns to tarnish the image of leaders who exited AAP.
Appealing directly to government officials in Punjab, Chadha urged them to function independently and resist political pressure. He advised bureaucrats and law enforcement personnel to work according to constitutional principles and not fear transfers or punitive action.
Taking a swipe at the ruling party, Chadha remarked that a political organisation that frequently speaks about the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi was now allegedly misusing state machinery to settle political disputes. He added that the people of Punjab deserve transparency regarding how public institutions are being utilised.
The Aam Aadmi Party has not yet issued an official response to the allegations made by Chadha and the other MPs following their meeting with the President.