In a dramatic political development, Raghav Chadha on Friday claimed that two-thirds of the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Rajya Sabha MPs have decided to merge with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Speaking at a press conference alongside Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal, Chadha said the group has formally submitted documents to the Rajya Sabha Chairman invoking constitutional provisions related to party mergers.

⚖️ The Claim and Its Implications

According to Chadha:

• AAP has 10 MPs in the Rajya Sabha
• 7 MPs (more than two-thirds) are supporting the merger
• A signed letter has been submitted to the Chairman

If verified, such a move could fall under provisions of the anti-defection law, where a merger supported by at least two-thirds of legislators can be legally recognised without disqualification.

📋 MPs Named in the Alleged Split

Chadha listed the following MPs as part of the group:

• Raghav Chadha
• Sandeep Pathak
• Ashok Mittal
• Harbhajan Singh
• Rajinder Gupta
• Vikramjit Singh Sahney
• Swati Maliwal

These names include a mix of politicians, industrialists, and public figures who entered Parliament via AAP.

🧭 Missing Pieces & Unanswered Questions

Despite the scale of the claim, several key aspects remain unclear:

• No official confirmation yet from Aam Aadmi Party leadership
• No public response from Arvind Kejriwal
• No formal acknowledgment yet from the Rajya Sabha Secretariat
• The BJP has not issued an official statement confirming acceptance of such a merger

⚠️ Political and Legal Significance

If true, this would be one of the largest parliamentary shifts involving AAP since its formation. It could:

• Reduce AAP’s strength significantly in the Rajya Sabha
• Strengthen BJP numerically in the Upper House
• Trigger legal scrutiny under the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law)

However, until verified by parliamentary authorities, the development remains a claim made at a press conference.

🧠 Context

AAP has emerged as a major regional force over the past decade, especially in Delhi and Punjab. Any internal split at the parliamentary level would have major political consequences, both nationally and within the party structure.

🧾 Bottom Line

The announcement by Raghav Chadha signals a potentially major political shift—but confirmation from official institutions and party leadership is still awaited. Given the scale of the claim, further developments are expected soon.

The sacred portals of Kedarnath Temple—one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and revered as the eleventh Jyotirlinga—were ceremoniously opened on April 22, 2026, marking the beginning of this year’s pilgrimage season.

Amid powerful chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Jai Shri Kedar,” thousands of devotees gathered in the Himalayan town to witness the spiritually charged moment. The temple doors were opened at the auspicious time of 8:00 AM following elaborate Vedic rituals, filling the atmosphere with devotion and reverence.

Grand Rituals Mark Auspicious Opening

The ceremonial proceedings began early in the morning around 5:00 AM, led by temple priests and scholars. The first prayer was offered in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, continuing a tradition observed in recent years.

Inside the sanctum, Rawal (chief priest) Bhimashankar Ling and other temple authorities performed sacred rituals, invoking blessings for peace, prosperity, and the well-being of the nation.

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Participates in Ceremony

Pushkar Singh Dhami was present at the shrine on this significant occasion. Offering prayers at the temple, he sought divine blessings for the state and its people.

Addressing devotees, the Chief Minister highlighted the spiritual importance of Kedarnath, calling it a symbol of India’s rich cultural and religious heritage. He expressed confidence that this year’s Char Dham Yatra would set new records in terms of participation.

He also urged locals to extend warmth and hospitality to pilgrims arriving from across India and abroad, emphasizing the importance of service during the yatra season.

Spiritual Atmosphere Enhanced by Traditions

Adding to the divine ambiance, devotional music by the Sikh Regiment band resonated through the valley, creating a unique blend of spirituality and patriotism.

The temple itself was magnificently decorated with over 51 quintals of flowers. As the gates opened, flower petals were showered from a helicopter, offering a visually stunning and emotionally uplifting experience for devotees.

Sacred Journey of the Panchmukhi Palanquin

Before the opening ceremony, the Panchmukhi (five-faced) palanquin of Lord Kedarnath completed its traditional journey from the Omkareshwar Temple, the winter seat of the deity.

The procession passed through key pilgrimage stops including:

• Guptkashi
• Phata
• Gaurikund

This यात्रा (journey) holds deep religious significance and is eagerly awaited by devotees each year.

Reconstruction and Growing Pilgrimage Significance

Referring to the devastating 2013 Kedarnath floods, CM Dhami noted that the shrine has undergone remarkable reconstruction under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The redevelopment has significantly improved infrastructure and accessibility, drawing a growing number of pilgrims annually.

A Symbol of Faith and Resilience

The reopening of Kedarnath Dham each year is more than a ritual—it represents resilience, devotion, and continuity of faith. Nestled in the Himalayas, the temple remains one of the most spiritually significant destinations in India.

As the Char Dham Yatra begins, authorities have implemented extensive arrangements to ensure safety, smooth travel, and better facilities for devotees.

🕉️ Final Take

With its doors now open, Kedarnath Dham once again welcomes devotees seeking spiritual solace and divine blessings. The blend of ancient traditions, scenic grandeur, and renewed infrastructure continues to make this pilgrimage a deeply transformative experience.

Dehradun:
In a tragic road accident in Tehri Garhwal, at least eight people lost their lives and two others sustained injuries after a utility vehicle plunged into a deep gorge on Thursday. The incident occurred in the Chamba area of the district.

How the Accident Happened

According to officials, the vehicle—identified as a Bolero Camper—fell nearly 300 metres into a gorge near Nail village on the Chamba-Koti road. Around 9 to 10 passengers were reportedly travelling in the vehicle at the time of the accident.

District Magistrate Nitika Khandelwal stated that the victims were residents of Thyoldhar village in Ghansali. They were returning home after attending a funeral in Haridwar when the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle on the hilly stretch.

Casualties and Rescue Efforts

Rescue teams, including personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, and fire services, rushed to the spot after receiving an alert through the emergency helpline.

• Eight bodies have been recovered so far
• Two injured passengers were rescued and taken to a nearby hospital
• Rescue operations continued for several hours due to the difficult terrain

Officials noted that the depth of the gorge and the rugged landscape made rescue efforts extremely challenging.

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Reacts

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved families.

In a statement, he said:

He also directed the district administration to ensure immediate and proper medical treatment for the injured and wished them a speedy recovery.

Rising Concern Over Hill Road Safety

This accident once again highlights the risks associated with travelling on narrow and winding hill roads in Uttarakhand. Factors such as sharp turns, poor visibility, overloading, and driver fatigue often contribute to such incidents.

Authorities have repeatedly urged:

• Regular vehicle maintenance
• Cautious driving on mountainous terrain
• Avoiding overloading of passenger vehicles

Ongoing Investigation

Officials have initiated an inquiry to determine the exact cause of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest loss of control by the driver, but mechanical failure or road conditions have not yet been ruled out.

Conclusion

The tragic incident has left several families devastated and once again underscores the urgent need for stricter safety measures on hill roads. As rescue and investigation efforts continue, the focus remains on supporting the injured and ensuring accountability.