**Title:** AAP Faces Setback as Rajesh Gupta Joins BJP Before MCD Bypolls
**Meta Description:** Rajesh Gupta, former AAP MLA, joins BJP, citing disrespect and dissatisfaction with AAP leadership ahead of crucial MCD bypolls.
**URL Slug:** rajesh-gupta-joins-bjp-aap-setback
**Headline:** AAP’s Rajesh Gupta Defects to BJP, Citing Disrespect and Discontent Ahead of MCD Bypolls
In a significant political shift, Rajesh Gupta, a two-time MLA and vice-president of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi, has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) just one day before the bypoll elections for the Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD). Gupta’s induction into the BJP took place in the presence of Virendra Sachdeva, the BJP’s state unit chief, where he expressed his emotional reasons for leaving AAP.
Gupta criticized AAP for neglecting its members, particularly those who had supported the party during the Anna Andolan. He stated, “They (AAP) don’t care about the people now who left their jobs during Anna Andolan. Many people want to leave (AAP), and I think they should. It’s not easy. They should go somewhere where they get respect, a party that doesn’t use and throw their workers.” Gupta, who previously served as the national spokesperson for AAP, voiced his frustrations regarding the party’s leadership, particularly targeting Arvind Kejriwal, the party’s national convenor.
He lamented, “Arvind (Kejriwal) ji, you need to understand why many are leaving you. The person whom you gave the election ticket was celebrating his birthday when your kids were in distress. I did not celebrate my children’s birthday; I stood by you amid all the allegations that surfaced against you. I defended you everywhere. Is this the price of my loyalty?” Gupta also raised concerns about the party’s ticket distribution, highlighting a case where an individual previously removed for misconduct was reinstated and given an election ticket.
Expressing gratitude towards his new party, Gupta remarked, “I joined the BJP because it respects even its smallest workers. That worker can become the Chief Minister or even the Prime Minister in the future.” He emphasized his decision to prioritize the country over party loyalty, stating, “I had to choose between the party and the country… So, I chose the country.”
As the Aam Aadmi Party prepares for the upcoming MCD bypolls for 12 vacant wards on November 30, it has yet to release an official statement regarding Gupta’s departure.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: Why did Rajesh Gupta leave the Aam Aadmi Party?**
A: Rajesh Gupta left AAP due to feelings of disrespect and dissatisfaction with the party leadership, particularly criticizing Arvind Kejriwal for not valuing his contributions. He joined the BJP, citing a desire for respect and a better environment for party workers.