In a setback for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ahead of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) bypolls, senior leader and former two-time MLA Rajesh Gupta joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday. Gupta, who previously held the position of AAP’s national spokesperson and led its Karnataka unit, made his switch in the presence of Delhi state president Virendra Sachdeva.
Upon welcoming Gupta into the BJP, Sachdeva presented him with the party’s stole, as reported in a statement from the Delhi BJP. The Delhi BJP president remarked that AAP leaders are now highlighting the shortcomings and issues arising from their own 12 years in power, while questioning the BJP’s eight-month-old government.
Gupta stated that a significant factor contributing to AAP’s decline and that of its leader, Arvind Kejriwal, is the treatment of party workers in a “use and throw” manner. He expressed emotional sentiments during his transition, recalling his contributions to AAP, the mockery he faced in return, and the treatment he received from Kejriwal, leading him to tears.
Reflecting on AAP’s founding, Gupta noted that many prominent figures joined hands with Kejriwal, only to feel betrayed, resulting in their departure from the party. “Today, unfortunately, I have also joined that list,” he said.
He criticized AAP’s decision to nominate a candidate for the bypoll in the Ashok Vihar ward, who had previously received a notice from the party itself. Gupta added, “Despite my years of sincerity, honesty, and loyalty, when I raised concerns, the party president wouldn’t even talk to me. This reflects the party’s current situation, as they are not in power in either the Delhi government or the MCD.”
Gupta asserted that the treatment of workers as disposable is the primary reason for AAP’s downfall, echoing sentiments that Kejriwal and the party have neglected the contributions of dedicated members. Sachdeva further highlighted that Gupta had built a strong identity as a responsible MLA, which Kejriwal has failed to recognize. He also pointed out that Kejriwal’s absence from the political landscape following the recent assembly elections warrants careful scrutiny.
Mentioning the current state of AAP leadership, Sachdeva noted that leaders Atishi and Gopal Rai are making only occasional appearances in Delhi as they campaign for the upcoming MCD bypolls, while Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia remain largely absent.
