The Aam Aadmi Party, launched in 2012 by Arvind Kejriwal after the Anna Hazare anti-corruption movement, is once again in focus after a major political shift. On April 24, 2026, seven of its ten Rajya Sabha MPs announced they would merge with the Bharatiya Janata Party, invoking constitutional provisions and citing concerns about the party’s functioning.
Here’s a look at the key exits, past and present, that have shaped this moment:
The big break: 7 MPs exit together
In a joint press conference, Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal confirmed they were leading a group of seven MPs out of AAP. The others include Swati Maliwal, Harbhajan Singh, Rajendra Gupta and Vikram Sahney. Together, they form more than two-thirds of AAP’s Rajya Sabha strength, meeting the threshold for a formal merger.
“The Aam Aadmi Party, which I nurtured with my blood and sweat and to which I gave 15 years of my youth, has now completely deviated from its principles, values, and core morals. I felt like the right man in the wrong party”, said Raghav Chadha.
Also Read | 'Will use provisions of Constitution...': Raghav Chadha quits AAP, to join BJP
Swati Maliwal’s exit after a public fallout
Swati Maliwal’s departure follows a turbulent phase. A Rajya Sabha MP since 2024 and former Delhi Commission for Women chief, she had accused a close aide of Kejriwal of assault in 2024. The case led to legal proceedings and widened her distance from the party before her eventual exit.
2018: Quiet exits, bigger signals
In 2018, Ashutosh and Ashish Khetan stepped away from AAP. Both cited personal and professional reasons, but their exits came amid internal churn over leadership decisions and electoral opportunities.
Kumar Vishwas and the sidelining phase
Kumar Vishwas, one of AAP’s founding voices, gradually faded from active roles after being removed from key responsibilities. Though he never formally resigned, his growing distance from party affairs became evident over time.
Also Read | Inside Raghav Chadha’s life: Net worth, education, family — all you need to know
Kapil Mishra: From minister to critic
Kapil Mishra’s exit in 2017 marked a turning point. Removed from the Delhi cabinet, he went on to level corruption allegations against the leadership, was later disqualified, and eventually joined the BJP.
2015: The founders’ fallout
Soon after AAP’s sweeping Delhi win, several founding members parted ways. Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan were expelled, while Mayank Gandhi, Anjali Damania, Madhu Bhaduri and others stepped away citing differences.
“The party is diverging from the path of honest politics. The leadership is hell-bent on destroying what we built”, remarked Mayank Gandhi.
