Breaking: 13 Delhi AAP Councillors Defect, Launch Indraprastha Vikas Party

Blow to AAP as 13 Delhi Councillors Resign, Form New Party

In a significant blow to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi, 13 of its councillors have resigned and announced the formation of a new political party, the Indraprastha Vikas Party. This development comes just weeks after the BJP regained control of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) in the recent civic polls. The AAP had chosen to boycott the election.

Rebel Leaders Led by Former Leader of the House

The disgruntled councillors, led by Mukesh Goel, who formerly served as the Leader of the House for AAP in the MCD, have cited internal party issues as the reason for their departure. Goel, a seasoned politician with 25 years of experience as a municipal councillor, had switched from the Congress to the AAP in 2021.

History of Defections

This latest exodus marks another setback for the AAP, which has been grappling with internal strife following its defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections earlier this year. The party had been hit by a wave of resignations before the MCD polls as well, with several prominent leaders leaving to join other parties.

AAP’s Efforts to Stem the Tide

In an attempt to address the growing discontent within the party, the AAP had undertaken an organizational restructuring in March. This included appointing former minister Saurabh Bharadwaj as the new president of its Delhi unit, assigning former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia to oversee Punjab, and entrusting Gopal Rai with responsibility for Gujarat. National general secretary Sandeep Pathak was also given the role of special in-charge for Chhattisgarh.

Implications for the Upcoming Elections

The defection of these councillors could have a significant impact on the AAP’s prospects in the upcoming Assembly elections in Delhi and other states where it is a major player. The party will need to work hard to rebuild its image and regain the trust of its supporters.