In poll-bound Himachal Pradesh, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has taken a hit, with its state unit president Anup Kesari joining the BJP alongside two other party workers.
Manish Sisodia, an AAP politician and Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister, downplayed the resignations, saying the party had received reports that Mr Kesari made offensive statements about women and that he would be expelled anyway.
In the presence of the BJP's national president, J P Nadda, and Union Minister Anurag Thakur, Mr Kesari joined the party. Later, at a roadshow in Mandi on Wednesday, he accused Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal of insulting party members.
"For the past eight years in Himachal Pradesh, we have been working around the clock for AAP with the utmost honesty and dedication. When Arvind Kejriwal came to Mandi for a rally and roadshow, he ignored the state party workers "Mr. Kesari explained.
"We are quite dissatisfied with him. He wouldn't even look at us, the party workers who labour all hours of the day and night. The roadshow in Mandi featured only Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann "Added he.
Mr Kesari was joined by AAP general secretary (organisation) Satish Thakur and Una district unit chief Iqbal Singh.
"During the roadshow on April 6, we felt degraded and neglected." As a result, we chose to join the BJP in order to work under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and serve the people of Himachal Pradesh," Mr Thakur explained. "They disregarded and humiliated us," Mr Singh added. As a result, we joined the BJP."
Anurag Thakur, Union Minister, greeted the three AAP leaders and stated that their support will help the party retain power in the state during the November elections.
Mr Kejriwal was also chastised for disparaging his party's employees during the roadshow, according to him.
"On the one side, Kejriwal is always talking about his party, but he has ignored and insulted his own faithful personnel." During the roadshow in Mandi, hardly one was present except for CM Kejriwal.
"On the one hand, Kejriwal is constantly talking about his party, but on the other hand, he has ignored and insulted his own loyal employees." No one was permitted in the car save CM Kejriwal and CM Mann during the tour in Mandi. "On the rath (vehicle), no leader was granted a seat," the minister stated.
"BJP boasts it is the world's largest party," Mr Sisodia remarked, referring to the BJP's induction of AAP leaders. However, the situation is such that at midnight, its national chief and a Union Minister induct a person accused of uttering insulting statements about women. We were planning to kick him out today."
"It is apparent that the BJP has heard the people's voice. The faces of the BJP in Himachal are embracing a characterless man in their desperation. They have inducted someone who is a member of the BJP "Mr. Sisodia explained.
According to AAP insiders, the head of the party's women's section had lodged accusations against Mr Kesari.
"Following the complaint, he was interrogated, and he struggled to respond to the questions. He had been recommended for expulsion by the inquiry committee. He would have been kicked out in a matter of days "a source within the party said
AAP is hoping for a strong showing in the upcoming Himachal election after its resounding victory in Punjab.