AAP to face more challenges before Punjab polls:Chadha Pathak played crucial roles, managed rebellion after Delhi defeat; now eyes on 30-35 MLAs

Before the 2027 assembly elections in Punjab, 7 AAP MPs have left the party. Among these, 6 MPs are from Punjab. Dr. Sandeep Pathak, considered the Chanakya of AAP’s election strategy, and Raghav Chadha, called the super CM, joined the BJP just yesterday. Their joining the BJP is particularly noteworthy because in 2022, this duo was the most important pair in the team that helped AAP win 92 out of 117 seats in Punjab. Sandeep Pathak created the entire political strategy from the backend, while Raghav Chadha implemented the campaign on the ground. Now this same duo could breach Punjab, AAP’s only remaining fortress after the Delhi defeat in 2027. Close associates of Raghav Chadha claim that he has close ties with 30 to 35 party MLAs. Meanwhile, after the defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections, when talk of rebellion started in Punjab as well, Pathak immediately summoned all MLAs from Delhi to Punjab and controlled the rebellion. In such a situation, with both of them joining the BJP, the danger of a split in AAP has increased. Political experts in Punjab also believe that the impact of 7 MPs leaving the party together could also affect the MLAs. These two are godfathers to many AAP MLAs and chairpersons. Major changes in AAP may be visible before the elections. In such a situation, with Raghav Chadha and Sandeep Pathak joining the BJP, the danger of a split in the Aam Aadmi Party has increased. Chadha and Pathak can now bring their close MLAs into the BJP camp. In the 2022 Assembly elections in Punjab, Dr. Sandeep Pathak was responsible for ticket distribution and the party’s campaign, while Raghav Chadha had complete charge of finances. In such a situation, all the MLAs in Punjab received their tickets in their hands. Why is this duo important for Punjab elections? What was Sandeep Pathak’s role in the 2022 election, and what loss to AAP ? Sandeep Pathak has been considered AAP’s electoral ‘Chanakya’ in Punjab. As Punjab in-charge, he strengthened the organization at the grassroots level. He played a crucial role in the ticket distribution process in the 2022 election and remained active from candidate interviews to preparing the final list. He formed teams of workers and expanded the organization to the village level. He personally contacted every party leader. After the defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections, when talk of rebellion started in Punjab too, Pathak came to Punjab and told the MLAs clearly that whoever wanted to go, should leave. I have a complete report of every activity of each MLA. After that, everyone within the party sat quietly. Political expert and former VC Dr. Kripal Singh Aulakh says, ‘Sandeep Pathak has done in-depth work on the elections in Punjab. As much as the BJP will benefit from this, AAP may suffer equally. If he knows everything about the MLAs, then through this, he can also influence AAP MLAs to join the BJP’. Raghav Chadha played a key role in Punjab’s 2022 Assembly elections, emerging as a prominent frontline face of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). While Bhagwant Mann was projected as the chief ministerial candidate, Chadha handled ground campaigning, party publicity, and strategy. As co-in-charge, he was involved in ticket distribution and bringing together leaders from different parties and non-political backgrounds. After AAP’s sweeping victory, winning 92 out of 117 seats, Chadha was widely credited for the success. Despite Mann becoming Chief Minister, Chadha was often referred to as a “Super CM.” Even Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had remarked that Chadha was effectively running Punjab. Mann had appointed Chadha as his advisor There were also discussions that key government files were routed through him before approval. Soon after the government was formed, Mann appointed Chadha as his advisor, a move seen as reflecting his influence in governance. His close aides claim that around 30–35 MLAs remain aligned with him. Political expert Engineer Pawandeep Sharma said Chadha’s dominance during the 2022 elections suggests he played a major role in selecting candidates, and many of those MLAs could potentially leave the party under his influence and join the BJP. Former vice-chancellor Dr. Kirpal Singh Aulakh said the recent exit of seven MPs to the BJP signals a possible similar threat to AAP in Punjab, though not immediately. He noted that as Assembly elections approach, leaders may switch sides. A lot depends on West Bengal outcome According to him, Raghav Chadha and Sandeep Pathak could stay in touch with such leaders, prepare a strategy, and facilitate their induction at the right time. He added that the outcome of the West Bengal elections could influence Punjab politics, and if the BJP forms the government there, it may intensify its push in Punjab. Engineer Pavandeep Sharma further said that after AAP formed the government, Chadha and Pathak functioned like “super CMs,” with influence over appointments and elected representatives.
Many leaders who began their political careers or secured positions credit the duo for their rise. Despite distancing from AAP, Sharma believes both leaders remain influential and could still be in contact with these figures, potentially causing significant damage to the party. Why is there a discussion that AAP MLAs might leave the party? What did CM and opponents say about 7 MPs leaving AAP… Punjab politics heated up on Friday as Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann lashed out at rebel leaders, calling those who left the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) “traitors of Punjab.” He said the MPs had reached the Rajya Sabha without a public mandate, but later created trouble. Mann also accused the BJP of trying to break regional parties, citing examples from West Bengal and Maharashtra. Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring claimed AAP faces an inevitable split due to a lack of ideology. He warned that after MPs, nearly 50 AAP MLAs could also switch to the BJP, adding that the departing MPs have lost relevance in state politics. Meanwhile, senior BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia said AAP’s troubles are self-inflicted. He asserted that more leaders may join the BJP over time, influenced by its policies.