A significant political development has unfolded in Delhi, with a faction of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillors resigning and announcing the formation of a new political party. As of today, May 17, 2025, thirteen AAP councillors have broken away to form the "Indraprastha Vikas Party".
The councillors who resigned cited internal conflicts and a lack of development in their wards as the primary reasons for their departure. According to reports, the councillors felt they were unable to serve the people of Delhi effectively while remaining in AAP. Councillor Mukesh Goel stated that despite being in power, they "could not work for the service of the people of Delhi" due to these internal issues. Echoing this sentiment, Councillor Himani Jain mentioned that no work that should have been done was completed in the last two and a half years. Jain further explained that their main issue was the unauthorized status of their colony, which led to problems with garbage and drainage. Another councillor, Ashok Pandey, stated that they did not receive funds from the party to facilitate development and that their concerns were not addressed by AAP's senior leadership.
The newly formed Indraprastha Vikas Party will be led by Hemchand Goyal. Goyal had previously contested in the Delhi Assembly elections on an AAP ticket earlier this year. The party aims to present itself as an alternative voice and work towards the development of Delhi. Mukesh Goel has clarified that the Indraprastha Vikas Party will operate in the opposition and raise the voice of the people. He also stated that they are open to other party leaders joining them but will not form any alliance with the BJP.
The ramifications of this split within the AAP remain to be seen. The departure of 13 councillors undoubtedly poses a setback for the party in Delhi. It is important to note that initial reports indicated 15 councillors had resigned, but later reports confirm the number to be 13. The formation of the Indraprastha Vikas Party introduces a new dynamic to the political landscape of Delhi, potentially reshaping political alliances and strategies in the lead-up to future elections.
