Raghav Chadha meets President Murmu, alleges political targeting after MPs exit AAP

Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chadha on Tuesday met President Droupadi Murmu, alleging that leaders who recently left the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are facing harassment by the Punjab government.

Chadha, accompanied by three other MPs, submitted a memorandum to the President, claiming that state agencies were being used to carry out “politically motivated” actions against them following their departure from AAP.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Chadha said the delegation had outlined incidents targeting MPs who exercised their “constitutional right” to dissent and switch parties. He alleged that leaders were labeled unfairly after their exit.

He further claimed that since April 24, when the MPs left AAP and joined the BJP, there has been a pattern of intimidation and coercive measures against them.

Citing specific cases, Chadha alleged that former cricketer and MP Harbhajan Singh was targeted, including vandalism and threatening messages outside his residence. He also alleged that industrialist and MP Rajendra Gupta faced disruptions to his business operations in Punjab, including regulatory actions affecting his factory.

Chadha also alleged that cases filed against MP Sandeep Pathak were “fabricated” and lacked merit. He expressed confidence that courts would dismiss such cases.

Warning against what he described as misuse of state institutions, Chadha said employing agencies such as the police and regulatory bodies for political purposes could have “serious consequences.”

He also claimed that attempts were being made to implicate him in false cases and that coordinated online campaigns were being used to discredit former AAP members.

Appealing to civil servants, Chadha urged officials not to act under political pressure and to adhere to the law. He added that the public in Punjab should be aware of how state machinery is allegedly being used in political disputes.