Big blow to AAP as 5 councillors join BJP

New Delhi, August 25

In a significant political shift ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, five Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillors switched their allegiance to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday, citing corruption and incompetence within AAP’s leadership. The defection was announced during a press conference held at the Delhi BJP office, where the councillors were formally welcomed into the BJP fold.

‘PM has given new hope to people’

When any Opposition member joins the BJP, it is due to the efficiency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his welfare schemes, which have given new hope to the people of the country. Under PM Modi’s leadership, India is continuously progressing on the path of development and setting new records. — Virendra Sachdeva, Delhi BJP chief

The councillors who joined the BJP include Ramchandra from Ward No. 28, Pawan Sehrawat from Ward 30, Mamta Pawan from Ward 177, Sugandha Bidhuri from Ward 178 and Manju Nirmal from Ward No. 180. Additionally, three active AAP leaders, Sachin Bidhuri, Raju Nirmal and Pawan Kumar, also joined the BJP.

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, South Delhi MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, North West Delhi MP Yogender Chandolia and senior leader Arvinder Singh Lovely were present at the event. The BJP leaders presented the newcomers with party scarves as a symbol of their induction.

Sachdeva said, “When any Opposition member joins the BJP, it is due to the efficiency of PM Narendra Modi and his welfare schemes, which have given new hope to the people of the country. Under PM Modi’s leadership, India is continuously progressing on the path of development and setting new records.”

Sachdeva further criticised the AAP government, saying, “Over the past decade, we have seen how the corruption-ridden AAP has been stalling development projects in Delhi. Today, those who have decided to join the BJP will work with us to serve the public and contribute to Delhi’s development.”

Bidhuri echoed similar sentiments, welcoming the new members and emphasising the importance of discipline and development work. “The BJP gives everyone a chance to work positively. I urge all councillors to focus on the development of their wards while adhering to party discipline,” Bidhuri said.

The councillors, who joined the BJP, expressed their disillusionment with the AAP leadership. “We are joining the BJP out of frustration with the corruption and incompetence within AAP’s top leadership that has come to light in the past two years. We are inspired by PM Modi’s dedication to public service,” they said.

With the induction of these five councillors, the BJP now holds a majority in seven wards of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.