Defection Drama: AAP Leaders Jump Ship Amidst 'Operation Lotus' Claims

In a dramatic turn of events, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh on Friday expressed fierce condemnation of the recent defection of seven of the party's Rajya Sabha members to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Accusing the BJP of operating under 'Operation Lotus', Singh stated this political maneuver was a deliberate attempt to sabotage the ongoing efforts of the Bhagwant Mann administration in Punjab.

At a press conference, Singh asserted that the people of Punjab would not forgive these former members for their betrayal, signaling a profound political fallout. The seven defecting members include prominent leaders such as Raghav Chadha and Sandeep Pathak, as well as Ashok Mittal and Swati Maliwal.

The announcement by Chadha and Pathak acknowledged this significant shift, noting that nearly two-thirds, or seven out of ten, of AAP's Rajya Sabha MPs would now be aligning with the BJP. This marks a significant reconfiguration within party ranks and adds a volatile element to the region's political atmosphere.

(With inputs from agencies.)