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New Delhi: BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Saturday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg and discussed the prevailing situation in election-bound Punjab.
The meeting holds political significance as it comes months after Chadha, along with seven other former AAP Rajya Sabha MPs, shifted political allegiance from Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), marking a major shift of loyalties in AAP-ruled Punjab.
The former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader shared pictures of his interaction with PM Modi on social media and described the meeting as "a morning to cherish". "Had the privilege of meeting Hon'ble Prime minister Narendra Modi ji. A detailed and enriching interaction. Deeply greatful for his generous time and for the opportunity to benefit from his insights and guidence," Raghav said as the political activity in Punjab gained heat and momentum.
The meeting came a day after Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal met Prime Minister Modi, adding further momentum to speculation over possible political strategies ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. The BJP-SAD alliance was one of the longest-running political partnerships in Punjab. The two parties shared power in the state in 1997, 2007 and 2012, combining BJP’s urban support base with the SAD's strong rural and Sikh community network.
However, relations between the two parties weakened after disagreements over several political issues, leading to the breakdown of the alliance. With Punjab’s political equations becoming increasingly fragmented, discussions around possible future alliances have gained attention. The SAD, which has witnessed a decline in its electoral strength after the rise of AAP, may also be exploring options to regain political relevance.
Chadha, who represents Punjab in the Rajya Sabha, is expected to play a significant organisational role for the BJP as the party attempts to expand its presence in the state. Once considered a close confidant of AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Raghav joined the BJP along with several other Rajya Sabha members earlier this year. The political transition was significant because the Rajya Sabha MP had played a key role in shaping AAP’s Punjab campaign before the 2022 Assembly elections. Although he did not contest the election, Raghav worked as a strategist and played an important part in the party’s electoral planning that resulted in AAP securing a historic victory in Punjab.
AAP’s rise in Punjab ended decades of competition between traditional players like the Congress, SAD and BJP. Chadha’s exit from the party was seen as a setback for AAP’s organisational structure, particularly because of his close association with Punjab’s political affairs. After joining the BJP, Chadha’s political experience, youth appeal and understanding of Punjab’s electoral dynamics are being closely watched. Political observers believe his role could become important in BJP’s strategy to strengthen its urban support base and connect with middle-class and business communities.
The BJP has historically relied on its alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal to expand its influence in Punjab. However, after the alliance ended, the party has been working to build an independent political identity in the state. Chadha’s presence could provide the BJP with a leader who understands both grassroots election management and urban voter behaviour. His association with cities like Jalandhar, Amritsar and Ludhiana may prove useful as the party prepares for the upcoming electoral battle.
Since joining the BJP, Raghav Chadha has publicly supported several government initiatives. During the controversy surrounding examination paper leaks, Chadha backed the Centre’s efforts to introduce stricter measures against organised cheating networks. The government’s proposed anti-paper leak framework focuses on strengthening examination security, improving investigation mechanisms and introducing strict legal action against individuals involved in question paper leaks and related offences.
Chadha’s support for the government’s position marked a shift from his earlier role as an opposition leader and highlighted his growing alignment with BJP’s policy positions. The political landscape of Punjab is witnessing major changes ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. With AAP attempting to retain power, BJP looking to expand its base, SAD seeking revival and Congress trying to regain lost ground, the state is heading towards a highly competitive electoral contest.
Raghav Chadha’s meeting with Prime Minister Modi has added another layer to Punjab’s political calculations. Whether Chadha can help BJP achieve a stronger position in the state remains a key question, but his growing role indicates that the party is preparing an aggressive strategy for the upcoming election battle.
