Brief
Priyanka Kakkar quits AAP, joins Congress citing party’s “indefensible” actions
Kakkar said she could no longer defend AAP’s use of private helicopters and senior appointments, and praised Rahul Gandhi’s resilience.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar announced on Saturday, Oct 3, 2026, that she had left AAP and joined the Indian National Congress, saying she could no longer defend what she called the party’s “indefensible” actions.
What happened
Kakkar publicly quit AAP after years of representing the party in media. She said the decision was prompted by a perceived change in AAP’s political culture, specifically the adoption of privileges such as official bungalows, cars and private helicopters for travel.
What the reports add
According to News18, Kakkar highlighted that AAP once opposed accepting such privileges but later began using them, making it “difficult for her to continue defending the party.” She also alleged that senior positions in Punjab were being given to individuals without grassroots experience, including people from Rajasthan, while providing them with bungalows and cars.
What was said
Kakkar told News18, “There was a time when it was said that AAP would not take a bungalow or a car. But later, choppers started being used for private travel, and I could no longer defend the indefensible.” She added, “I drew a line when I saw that the Aam Aadmi Party, which at one point had attracted people with great substance and intelligence, was unable to retain them.” Regarding Congress, she said, “If there is one leader who is not afraid to promote his ideas, it is Rahul Gandhi,” and praised the party’s “authenticity.”
How it came about
Kakkar’s departure follows a series of internal criticisms within AAP over leadership appointments and the party’s stance on privileges. Her move to Congress aligns with the party’s recent efforts to attract high‑profile defectors ahead of the 2027 elections, as seen in Felo’s earlier coverage of Congress’s outreach in Telangana and Punjab.
Key facts
- Priyanka Kakkar left AAP and joined Congress on Oct 3, 2026. (news18.com)
- She cited AAP’s adoption of privileges like bungalows, cars and private helicopters as indefensible. (news18.com)
- Kakkar criticized senior appointments in Punjab, alleging outsiders were given positions and facilities. (news18.com)
- She praised Rahul Gandhi’s resilience and called Congress authentic. (news18.com)
Sources
- [1] news18.com — originally reported as “Priyanka Kakkar Joins Congress, Says She Could No Longer Defend ‘Indefensible’ AAP Actions”
