Priyanka Kakkar quits AAP, joins Congress with two other leaders
Former Aam Aadmi Party chief spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar joined the Congress on Saturday, citing the party's changing character as her reason for departure. She was accompanied by former Uttar Pradesh MLA Shyam Sunder Sharma and former journalist Rajat Rakesh Tandon. The induction ceremony took place at the All India Congress Committee office on Akbar Road and was attended by senior Congress leaders including general secretary Naseer Hussain, Congress Working Committee members Rajiv Shukla and Pawan Khera, and Delhi Congress chief Devendra Yadav.
Explaining her decision, Kakkar said the AAP had once attracted people of "great substance and intelligence" but had since transformed. She highlighted specific concerns about the party's conduct, noting that leaders who once refused bungalows and cars were now using choppers for private travel. Kakkar also questioned the elevation of inexperienced people to senior positions, stating that new members without booth-level organisational experience were being brought in from other states and given prominent roles along with official accommodations.
Kakkar expressed confidence in the Congress, stating it was the only party that could make Delhi "progressive and safe." She praised Rahul Gandhi's leadership, describing him as "authentic" and resilient, contrasting him with leaders who use emotional appeals for political gain.
