New Delhi, November 29, 2025: The political landscape in Delhi witnessed another dramatic turn on the eve of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) bypolls, as former AAP MLA Rajesh Gupta joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), triggering reactions from both sides and shedding light on internal dynamics within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Delhi AAP president Saurabh Bharadwaj responded to Gupta’s departure, attributing his exit primarily to a denied request for a councillor ticket for his wife, while Gupta’s own statements highlighted a broader narrative of dissatisfaction with party leadership.

Rajesh Gupta, a former two-time MLA from Wazirpur, national spokesperson of the AAP, and in-charge of the party’s Karnataka unit, announced his switch to the BJP in the presence of BJP Delhi president Virendra Sachdeva. Gupta had also served as vice president of the AAP. His decision comes at a critical juncture as the capital prepares for MCD bypolls in 12 wards on November 30, which are being viewed as a litmus test of public sentiment following the BJP’s sweeping victory in the Delhi Assembly elections earlier this year.

AAP’s Response

Speaking to ANI on Saturday, Saurabh Bharadwaj, the Delhi AAP president, offered a calm yet pointed response to Gupta’s exit. He explained the party’s position and extended best wishes to Gupta, emphasizing that the departure was primarily linked to internal party decisions regarding election tickets.

“Rajesh Gupta ji is our brother. The party made him contest the MLA elections four times, but he could not win. He was demanding a councillor ticket for his wife in the Ashok Vihar by-election,” Bharadwaj said. He added that, after careful consideration, the party decided not to grant the ticket, prompting Gupta to explore options with other political entities before finally joining the BJP.

Bharadwaj further elaborated on the sequence of events: “He discussed internal party matters with another party, and when that did not work, he finally joined the BJP. In anger, he left the party. Our best wishes to him.” By framing Gupta’s exit in this manner, AAP sought to portray the move as a personal grievance rather than a reflection of systemic issues within the party.

Gupta’s Perspective

Gupta’s own narrative, however, presented a more complex picture, combining personal grievance with criticism of the party’s internal functioning. In an emotional statement issued after joining the BJP, Gupta recounted the reasons behind his decision, highlighting what he described as a “use-and-throw” approach by the AAP towards its workers.

According to Gupta, his loyalty and long-standing contributions to the party were overlooked, leading to frustration and disillusionment. “While joining the BJP, Rajesh Gupta became emotional as he recalled his contributions to AAP, the mockery he received in return, and the behavior of AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal. He even broke down in tears,” a statement from Gupta said.

Gupta alleged that when he raised concerns with the party leadership, including requests for a councillor ticket for his wife, his appeals were ignored. “Despite my years of sincerity, honesty, and loyalty, when I raised concerns, the party president wasn’t even ready to talk to me,” he said, underscoring a perceived lack of engagement from the top echelons of AAP.

He also criticized the treatment of workers within the party, suggesting that the party’s decline and its inability to sustain electoral success were linked to internal mismanagement and a tendency to alienate loyal members. Gupta’s remarks touched upon broader organizational issues, citing examples where dedicated workers were sidelined or disregarded despite their contributions since the inception of the party.

The Context of the Bypolls

The MCD bypolls are being closely watched by political observers across the country. Twelve wards will go to the polls, providing an opportunity for parties to assess voter sentiment and test their organizational strength. The wards up for election, including Ashok Vihar, are strategically important for both AAP and BJP, as they are indicative of urban voting patterns and party popularity in Delhi.

Gupta’s exit on the eve of the polls adds a layer of complexity, particularly in Ashok Vihar, where he indicated concerns about the candidate chosen by AAP. He claimed that the party had nominated a person in the ward who was previously under scrutiny and had been issued a notice by the party itself. This, according to Gupta, exemplifies a disconnect between AAP’s candidate selection and internal accountability.

From BJP’s perspective, Gupta’s joining represents a symbolic and practical gain ahead of the bypolls. Having a former two-time MLA and a senior party leader switch allegiances just before voting underscores the BJP’s ability to attract established political figures, potentially bolstering its position in contested wards. The presence of Gupta in the BJP fold also provides the party with a narrative of dissatisfaction within AAP ranks, which could be leveraged during campaigning.

Implications for AAP

For AAP, Gupta’s departure comes at a critical time and raises questions about candidate selection, internal communication, and engagement with loyal workers. While Bharadwaj framed the exit as a personal grievance, Gupta’s statements suggest a deeper sense of dissatisfaction that may resonate with other party members who feel overlooked or undervalued.

Political analysts suggest that defections like Gupta’s are not uncommon in Indian politics, particularly ahead of elections. However, such moves are often amplified when they involve high-profile leaders, given the potential to influence voter perception and morale within the party. In AAP’s case, the challenge lies in managing public perception while maintaining organizational cohesion and ensuring that voter confidence is not shaken in key wards.

Gupta’s Emotional Departure

Reports indicate that Gupta’s exit was marked by emotion and reflection on his decade-long association with AAP. He referred to the early days of the party, when he, along with other prominent individuals, had joined hands enthusiastically with Arvind Kejriwal. However, Gupta lamented that many of these early supporters eventually felt betrayed and left the party over time, and he placed himself in that list of disenchanted members.

He emphasized that his decision was not merely a reaction to personal grievances but also stemmed from frustration with systemic issues within the party, including perceived disregard for workers’ contributions and a top-down approach in decision-making. His narrative highlights the delicate balance parties must maintain between leadership control and responsiveness to grassroots members, especially during high-stakes elections.

Looking Ahead

As Delhi heads into the MCD bypolls, political observers will be closely monitoring the impact of Gupta’s departure on voter sentiment. While AAP continues to defend its internal processes and candidate selections, the BJP will likely capitalize on the entry of a high-profile leader to strengthen its campaign narrative.

For voters in Ashok Vihar and other contested wards, the bypolls present an opportunity to express their views not only on local governance but also on broader political dynamics and party credibility. Gupta’s move adds an element of intrigue, potentially influencing undecided voters and shaping campaign strategies for both parties in the remaining days leading up to polling.

In conclusion, the switch of Rajesh Gupta from AAP to BJP on the eve of the MCD bypolls has captured attention across Delhi’s political spectrum. While AAP attributes the exit to a denied councillor ticket for Gupta’s wife, Gupta’s own statements frame the move as a culmination of personal grievances and perceived systemic neglect. As the capital prepares for the bypolls, this development underscores the interplay of individual ambitions, party dynamics, and voter expectations in shaping the outcome of elections in urban India.