In a massive blow to the Aam Aadmi Party just a day before crucial MCD bypolls, senior leader and former two-time MLA Rajesh Gupta quit the party in tears on Saturday and formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. The emotional defection took place at the Delhi BJP Headquarters where State President Virendra Sachdeva personally draped the party stole around Gupta, who broke down repeatedly while recounting his decade-long association with AAP.

Speaking through sobs, Gupta accused Arvind Kejriwal of betraying every founding member who sacrificed careers during the Anna Hazare movement, describing the party’s culture as “use and throw.” He claimed the AAP convenor had neither spoken to him nor acknowledged his contributions in years, despite Gupta serving as national spokesperson and Karnataka incharge. “Arvind ji, you need to introspect why people are leaving you one by one,” he said, voice cracking with emotion.

Gupta alleged that Kejriwal’s leadership style had triggered a silent exodus, with many more leaders contemplating departure but fearing public humiliation. He revealed that even after demonstrating unwavering loyalty on television debates and organisational fronts, his concerns were repeatedly ignored, including objections over AAP fielding a candidate previously issued a party notice in the Ashok Vihar MCD bypoll.

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Welcoming Gupta, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva launched a sharp attack on AAP’s governance record, pointing out that its leaders were now criticising problems created during their own 12-year municipal rule while the BJP had been in power for barely eight months. He mocked the absence of Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia from the campaign trail, claiming only Atishi and Gopal Rai were making token appearances.

The high-profile switch underscores deepening discontent within AAP ranks ahead of the MCD bypolls, with Gupta’s tearful public departure serving as a stark symbol of disillusionment among long-time loyalists who once saw Kejriwal as the harbinger of clean politics. As the BJP capitalises on the momentum, AAP faces mounting pressure to arrest the erosion of its organisational base in the national capital.

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