Congress leader Chaudhary Mateen Ahmed joins AAP, Harsharan Singh Balli returns to BJP

In a significant shift within Delhi’s political landscape, Chaudhary Mateen Ahmed, a veteran Congress leader and five-time MLA from Seelampur, joined the AAP on Sunday.

AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal formally inducted him into the party at an event attended by key party leaders. Kejriwal welcomed Ahmed, who has represented East Delhi’s Seelampur constituency for over two decades.

“He is a prominent figure in Delhi politics. Like AAP, which is known for its commitment to the people, Ahmed is renowned in his area for always being there for his constituents, through good times and bad,” he said.

Ahmed has held several prominent roles, including Vice-Chairperson of the Delhi Jal Board and Chairperson of the Delhi Waqf Board.

“I was inspired by Kejriwal’s ‘politics with purpose’, and I decided to join the Aam Aadmi Party. My sole objective now is to strengthen the party and serve the people wholeheartedly,” Ahmed stated.

In a post on X, Kejriwal had earlier acknowledged Ahmed’s dedication to public service and expressed pride in bringing him into the AAP fold.

“The AAP is known for its commitment to the people, serving them 24x7, standing by them in both joy and sorrow. Ahmed has finally come to the right party, better late than never,” Kejriwal added.

The AAP, in turn, suffered a jolt as veteran politician Harsharan Singh Balli quit the party and joined the BJP along with his son Gurmeet Singh.

Balli, a four-time BJP MLA from the Harinagar constituency in West Delhi, served as minister in the Madan Lal Khurana government. He later joined the AAP.

Balli said he left the AAP because it was no more the same as when he first became a part of it. “I joined the AAP with great hope, influenced by Kejriwal’s words, but after five years, I have left AAP in disappointment because he has plunged Delhi into corruption,” he said.