Is AAP’s two-time MLA Rajesh Gupta Making a Switch to BJP on the Eve of MCD Bypolls?
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Synopsis
In a surprising turn of events, Rajesh Gupta, a two-time MLA from AAP, has defected to BJP just before vital civic by-elections. Gupta criticizes Kejriwal's leadership, echoing sentiments of betrayal and signaling a shift in Delhi's political landscape that could reshape the upcoming elections.
Key Takeaways
- Rajesh Gupta joins BJP before civic by-elections.
- Criticism aimed at Kejriwal for leadership style.
- Gupta's emotional departure reflects broader discontent within AAP.
- 53 candidates competing for 12 seats in MCD by-elections.
- Significant implications for BJP’s political landscape.
New Delhi, Nov 29 (NationPress) On the brink of significant civic by-elections in Delhi, esteemed Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) figure and two-time MLA Rajesh Gupta made the decision to join the BJP on Saturday, accompanied by Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva.
In a sharp critique of AAP's National Convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Gupta argued that treating party workers as “use and throw” is a major factor contributing to the party's decline.
Overcome with emotion, Gupta reminisced about his contributions to AAP and the unfavorable treatment he received from Kejriwal in return.
He noted that when AAP was established, numerous notable personalities eagerly aligned with Kejriwal, only to feel betrayed. “One by one, they all chose to leave him. Today, regrettably, I have also joined that list,” Gupta expressed.
He raised concerns regarding the candidate selected by AAP for the Ashok Vihar ward, stating it was a person who had previously received a notice from AAP itself.
Sachdeva warmly welcomed Gupta into the fold, presenting him with the traditional party stole, alongside MLA Rajkumar Bhatia and Media Head Praveen Shankar Kapoor.
The Delhi BJP chief remarked that Gupta had carved out a unique identity as a responsible MLA, yet Kejriwal failed to recognize his contributions.
Sachdeva emphasized the necessity of scrutinizing Kejriwal's absence from Delhi and the circumstances leading to it.
He claimed that AAP has driven Delhi into a challenging state over the last 12 years, a burden that now falls upon the new government.
The BJP is striving to alleviate this burden gradually. However, Kejriwal, who considers himself Delhi’s son, has seemingly vanished, fully aware that the city has now perceived his true nature.
The Delhi BJP President insisted that the criticisms from AAP leaders regarding Delhi’s shortcomings are directly tied to their own government’s lackluster performance over the past 12 years.
He noted that with Kejriwal and Sisodia absent, former Chief Minister Atishi and Gopal Rai are merely making “special appearances” for the party in Delhi.
“Much like Aurangzeb plundered Delhi, Kejriwal, Sisodia, and other senior AAP leaders have similarly harmed the city. After engaging in corruption, AAP leaders are now comfortably residing in Punjab,”
he stated.
Gupta’s transition to the BJP comes just one day before the civic by-elections.
A total of 53 candidates are contesting for the 12 seats in the upcoming MCD by-elections, with the BJP currently holding nine of the 12 vacant wards.
This by-election is particularly significant for the BJP, marking the first political contest in the city since the party regained power after 27 years in the Assembly elections in February.
Some analysts view these by-elections as a virtual referendum on the nine-month performance of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
Point of View
This shift reflects deeper discontent within the AAP ranks, revealing potential vulnerabilities in Kejriwal's leadership. Gupta's departure may signal a pivotal moment for the BJP ahead of the upcoming elections, highlighting the ongoing political evolution in Delhi.
NationPress
29/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Rajesh Gupta leave AAP?
Rajesh Gupta left AAP due to feelings of betrayal and frustration with Arvind Kejriwal's leadership style, which he described as treating party workers as 'use and throw.'
What does Gupta's switch mean for the BJP?
Gupta's switch to the BJP strengthens the party's position ahead of the MCD by-elections and may attract more voters who are disillusioned with AAP.
How many candidates are contesting in the MCD by-elections?
A total of 53 candidates are contesting for the 12 seats in the MCD by-elections in Delhi.
What issues did Gupta raise about AAP's candidate?
Gupta raised concerns about AAP's candidate for the Ashok Vihar ward, noting that the individual had previously received a notice from AAP itself.
How significant are these by-elections for the BJP?
These by-elections are crucial for the BJP as they represent the first political contest in Delhi since the party returned to power after 27 years.
