‘Conspiracy with BJP to create image of neutrality’: AAP refutes Raghav Chadha’s ‘toxic work environment’ allegations

New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party on Monday hit out at Raghav Chadha for comparing quitting the party to changing jobs, accusing him of hatching a conspiracy with the BJP.In a video shared on X, AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj said that even if someone changes jobs, they have to give three months’ notice.

“I just saw a video of Raghav and he said that just like people change jobs or companies, he also changed his political party. I would like to say that when we change jobs or work in companies, it has nothing to do with ideology. You join and stay in a party because of ideology. However, I would say that if Raghav feels uncomfortable in that party, he has every right to leave. But even if you change jobs within the company, you will give three months’ notice. You inform your employer that you are moving to a new company and need time to transfer your knowledge. Since you’ve been working there for years, it’s your responsibility. You don’t plot to destroy the company you’re leaving,” Bharadwaj said.Bharadwaj said he was in cahoots with the BJP after the Enforcement Directorate tightened its grip on Raghav Chadha.Also read: Raghav Chadha talks about backlash to joining BJP, cites ‘toxic work environment’ in new video“What did you do? When the ED tightened its grip on you, you decided to join the BJP but you didn’t tell anyone. You were caught up in a conspiracy with the BJP. The BJP was a part of it from day one. The idea, as claimed, was to create an image of an independent middle-class youth leader who would raise issues and the BJP would support it. How would they support it? Issues that the central government is already dealing with – like cheaper food at airports, changes in TRAI mobile recharge rules, paternity leave or targeting Zomato and measures for gig workers like Swiggy employees — will all be labeled Raghav. He would make these suggestions and then act quickly and his popularity would increase, thereby creating a ‘neutral’ image,” Bharadwaj said.“There is always an opportunity for the central government to say publicly that these have been its initiatives, but this does not contradict him. Why? Because, as claimed, there is coordination between Raghav and the BJP. The government is helping to build his image,” he added.This comes hours after Chadha criticized his decision to join the BJP.Raghav Chadha said in a video shared on Instagram that he has been flooded with messages after the announcement. “I have received a lot of messages from you all over the past three days. Most of you have sent me your best wishes and congratulated me, while some have wanted to know the reasons behind my decision,” he said.Chadha said that he dedicated 15 years of his youth to the Aam Aadmi Party and called himself a founding member of the party. “I did not enter politics to achieve my career. I became a founding member of a political party. I dedicated 15 years of my youth to this party with my blood, sweat and efforts.”Responding to criticism that the exit was due to pressure or fear, Chadha denied the accusation. “We left not out of fear, but out of disappointment, disappointment and disgust,” he said.He further claimed that despite leaving AAP, he would continue his political participation and public advocacy. “I will continue to ask you questions with more energy and enthusiasm,” he said.According to reports, within 24 hours of announcing his resignation from the Aam Aadmi Party and joining the Bharatiya Janata Party, Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chadha’s Instagram follower count dropped sharply, losing more than 1 million followers, which later rose to nearly 2 million. His move also sparked a backlash on social media, with some of his supporters criticizing his decision to join the BJP.Additionally, old video clips of him and past comments critical of the BJP have resurfaced online, further fueling the debate surrounding his political shift.