Pre-election shift intensifies as Pravesh Ratan, a prominent face in Jatav community, leaves BJP for Aam Aadmi Party, signaling a potential clash in Patel Nagar constituency.

AB News Desk, New Delhi: In a significant blow to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the 2025 Delhi Vidhan Sabha elections, senior leader Pravesh Ratan switched allegiance to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday. Former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia welcomed Ratan into the party, underscoring that his decision was influenced by the work done by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Ratan, who previously contested elections from the Patel Nagar Assembly seat on a BJP ticket, is regarded as a major representative of the Jatav community. His inclusion in AAP adds to the increasing trend of political realignment as parties gear up for the upcoming elections.

Upon joining AAP, Ratan praised the party’s initiatives, stating, “The AAP government in Delhi is doing commendable work, particularly in education and social welfare. I am joining the Aam Aadmi Party because I am impressed by the efforts of Arvind Kejriwal. The six welfare schemes initiated by him have significantly improved the lifestyle of the Jatav and underprivileged communities. I look forward to working together to further these initiatives.”

During the welcome ceremony, Sisodia emphasized AAP’s commitment to realizing the dreams of Baba Saheb Ambedkar. “Today, with the addition of Pravesh Ratan—a prominent leader from the Jatav community—the AAP continues to strive for the welfare of underprivileged societies under Arvind Kejriwal’s guidance.”

Ratan had been a part of the BJP for nearly 20 years and has previously contested elections from the Patel Nagar seat. Speculations suggest that AAP may field him again in the upcoming elections.

The Patel Nagar constituency is shaping up to be an intriguing battleground, especially since former MLA Rajkumar Anand, who also belongs to the Jatav community, has recently joined the BJP. Anand is expected to contest from the same seat, resulting in a potentially fierce competition between him and Ratan.

This recent shift follows another considerable defection from the BJP, when on November 4, former corporator and BJP leader B.B. Tyagi joined AAP, adding further momentum to the party’s efforts in the lead-up to the elections.

As both parties strategize ahead of the polls, the changing political landscape in Delhi promises to keep voters and analysts alike on their toes.