Archive · 30 Nov 2025
AAP Leader Defects to BJP Ahead of MCD Bypolls
A senior leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Rajesh Gupta, has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the MCD bypolls in Delhi.
Gupta, a two-time MLA from Wazirpur, expressed his dissatisfaction with the AAP, claiming he was mocked and betrayed by the party leadership.
He alleged that AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal did not value his contributions and ignored his concerns.
The BJP welcomed Gupta, criticizing the AAP's governance and Kejriwal's absence from Delhi.
The AAP has not yet responded to Gupta's allegations.
Meanwhile, the MCD bypolls in 12 wards are seen as a crucial test for both the BJP and AAP, with the BJP aiming to win all seats and the AAP trying to regain lost ground.
Senior AAP leader and former MLA Rajesh Gupta joined the BJP on November 24, 2023.
Gupta alleged betrayal and mockery by AAP leadership, claiming Kejriwal ignored his concerns.
The BJP welcomed Gupta, criticizing the AAP's governance and Kejriwal's absence from Delhi.
Gupta claimed the AAP has abandoned its core principles and treated workers poorly.
The AAP has not yet responded to Gupta's allegations or defection.
MCD bypolls in 12 wards are scheduled for December 3, 2023, with the BJP aiming to win all seats.
The bypolls are seen as a crucial test for both the BJP and AAP, with the AAP trying to regain lost ground.
- Who
- Rajesh Gupta, a former AAP MLA and senior leader
- What
- Defected from AAP to BJP ahead of MCD bypolls
- When
- November 24, 2023; Bypolls on December 3, 2023
- Where
- Delhi
- Why
- Alleged betrayal and mockery by AAP leadership, dissatisfaction with party's direction
- Date of Defection
- November 24, 2023
- Defected Leader
- Rajesh Gupta
- Former Constituency
- Wazirpur
- New Party
- BJP
- Presiding BJP Official
- Virendra Sachdeva
- AAP Response
- No official comment yet
- Allegations by Gupta
- Betrayal, mockery, and disregard for concerns
- BJP's Stance
- Criticism of AAP's governance and Kejriwal's absence
- MCD Bypolls Date
- December 3, 2023
- Number of Wards
- 12
- BJP's Target
- Win all 12 seats
- Current MCD House Composition
- 115 BJP, 99 AAP
Sources
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