Rebel AAP MPs meet President Murmu, allege “vendetta politics” by Punjab Govt
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, May 5, 2026: A group of rebel MPs from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) met President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday, alleging misuse of state machinery by the Punjab government after their shift to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The delegation, which included Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Rajender Gupta and Ashok Mittal, claimed they were being targeted for exercising their constitutional rights after two-thirds of AAP MPs chose to merge with the BJP.
After the meeting, the MPs said they informed the President about what they described as “dangerous vendetta politics” in Punjab. They alleged that administrative actions, police cases, and public campaigns were being used to intimidate leaders who had left AAP.
Among the claims cited were alleged defamatory graffiti outside the residence of former cricketer Harbhajan Singh and action against industrialist Rajendra Gupta. The MPs also alleged that false FIRs and threats were being used to pressure them.
The delegation said the President emphasised that constitutional rights and democratic choices must be respected. In sharp remarks, the rebel leaders criticised AAP’s functioning, alleging it was acting in a vindictive manner following their political shift.
The development marks a further escalation in the political confrontation between the AAP-led Punjab government and its former leaders who have now aligned with the BJP.