The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Chhattisgarh faced a substantial setback as over 500 of its party workers collectively tendered their resignations and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday.
This significant defection follows the earlier resignation of AAP's Chhattisgarh unit chief, Komal Hupendi, along with six other pivotal members earlier in the month. The individuals opting to join the BJP cited their disillusionment with AAP's leadership as a primary factor, expressing admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's developmental initiatives and nationalist agenda. They specifically commended the establishment of the Ram temple in Ayodhya as a symbol of national faith and lauded the BJP's track record in governance.
This mass migration is perceived as a response to the perceived neglect by AAP's top echelons toward the concerns and electoral strategy of the state unit. Hupendi, who had been an integral part of the party since 2016, conveyed his disappointment with the lack of support from the central leadership, particularly during the 2023 assembly elections.
Despite the initial intent to contest all 90 seats, AAP ultimately fielded candidates in only 54 constituencies and failed to secure a single seat, securing less than 1 percent of the vote share. The defection to the BJP reflects a broader sentiment among the dissatisfied party workers towards AAP's central leadership and a shift in allegiance to a party that resonates more with their aspirations and beliefs.
