Setback for ruling AAP as four leaders join BJP

Tribune News Service

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New Delhi, January 21

The ruling Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi faced a setback days before the Assembly elections after four of its leaders, including two municipal councillors, switched allegiance to the BJP on Tuesday.

Municipal councillors Rekha Rani from Bhajanpura and Shilpa Kaur from Khyala were among those who joined the BJP in the presence of prominent party leaders, including Harsh Malhotra, Manoj Tiwari and Kamaljeet Sehrawat.

Speaking after joining the BJP, Shilpa expressed dissatisfaction with the development work in her area, saying, “Development works in my area have come to a complete halt. It has been two years since the MCD government was formed under the AAP, but only minimal work has been done.”

Rekha Rani said she was influenced by the policies of the BJP. She took the decision to join the party after seeing its impact on the ground.

Sridatt Sharma, former MLA from Ghonda (2015-20), and Chaudhary Vijendra, parliamentary representative of AAP MP Sanjay Singh, also joined the BJP.

Shiv Sena extends support to BJP

Ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, the Shiv Sena has announced its support for the BJP.On Tuesday, Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde handed over a letter of support to Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva, addressed to BJP national president JP Nadda. Shinde confirmed that the Shiv Sena would actively back all BJP candidates in the upcoming Delhi elections.

He directed the Shiv Sena’s Delhi unit to collaborate closely with the BJP’s state unit and participate actively in the election campaign.

Shinde emphasised that the Shiv Sena, under his leadership, continues to uphold the Hindutva ideology championed by party founder Bal Thackeray.

He said the party remains a proud member of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and supports the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.