AAP in Shock as Rajesh Gupta Defects to BJP Over Wife's Ticket Demand

Delhi's political narrative shifted on the eve of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi bypolls as Rajesh Gupta, a two-time AAP MLA and long-time party spokesperson, joined the BJP in a ceremony attended by Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva. The move injects a new element into the contest as 12 wards head toward bypolls that will test the capital's mood after BJP's recent gains.

AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj offered a measured response, calling Gupta a brother and tracing the exit to Gupta's demand for a councillor ticket for his wife in the Ashok Vihar by-election. When the party declined, he reportedly discussed the matter with another party and left the AAP in anger, Bharadwaj said, while wishing him well.

Gupta's political resume includes leading the party's Karnataka unit and serving as chief of his Wazirpur constituency, which underscores the potential impact of his move on Delhi's bypolls, where 12 wards are voting. The timing injects fresh heat into campaigns as the BJP seeks to capitalize on governance criticisms ahead of the counting.

From the BJP side, a Delhi party chief framed Gupta's decision as a signal about the opposition's perceived shortcomings during their 12-year rule, while contrasting it with the new BJP government that is eight months old. The bypolls are expected to test the mood in the capital and could influence the momentum ahead of larger electoral contests.

The electoral stage is set for Sunday as voters in 12 wards prepare to cast ballots, with Gupta's defection adding a new storyline to a contest that has already seen high political stakes in the capital.

Cover image source: Two-time former AAP MLA Rajesh Gupta joins BJP on MCD bypoll eve 🔗

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