Delhi Bypolls Shake-Up: AAP Leader Rajesh Gupta Quits, Joins BJP After Emotional Outburst

A major political shift unfolded in Delhi just a day before the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) bypolls, as senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former MLA Rajesh Gupta quit the party and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday.

Gupta, who earlier served as AAP’s national spokesperson and Karnataka incharge, was welcomed into the BJP by Delhi unit chief Virendra Sachdeva. In an emotional address, Gupta said that AAP had strayed from its original values and no longer respected its dedicated workers.

‘Use and Throw Politics’ Accusation

Visibly emotional, Rajesh Gupta broke down while recalling his long years with AAP, alleging that the party practiced a “use and throw” culture. He said many members were unhappy but remained silent out of fear or helplessness.

“They don’t care about the people who stood with them during Anna Andolan. Many want to leave. People should go where they get respect,” he said.

Gupta further stated that despite his loyalty and years of hard work, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal never spoke to him or visited him.

‘Kejriwal Betrayed Everyone’

Gupta claimed that numerous well-known individuals who joined AAP during its formation eventually left because they felt betrayed.

“Today, unfortunately, I have also joined that list,” he said.

He also criticised AAP for fielding a bypoll candidate in Ashok Vihar who had allegedly received a notice from the party earlier. His objections, he claimed, were ignored.

AAP Leaders Missing, Says BJP

BJP’s Virendra Sachdeva said that AAP leaders were now questioning issues that they themselves created during their 12 years in governance. He added that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia were “missing entirely,” while Atishi and Gopal Rai were only making “special appearances” ahead of the bypolls.

Gupta insisted that despite years of “sincerity, honesty and loyalty,” AAP’s leadership did not engage with him — even though the party is currently not in power.