Priyanka Kakkar, former national spokesperson of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has joined the Congress, citing her inability to defend the party's shift from its anti-corruption ethos to practices she describes as 'indefensible.' Kakkar stated she could no longer support AAP after observing its leaders began using private choppers for travel and appointing individuals without grassroots experience to senior positions in Punjab, including bungalows and cars.

Kakkar criticized AAP's leadership for losing its core values, which once attracted people with 'great substance and intelligence.' She argued that the party's transformation into a vehicle for personal perks undermined its credibility. She also questioned the appointments of new officials from Rajasthan to Punjab, calling them 'new people who have not even worked at the booth level.'

In her statement, Kakkar praised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his resilience and authenticity, noting that he has not 'shed tears for the cameras' and has withstood attacks without compromising his principles. She endorsed Gandhi's campaign against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, whom she referred to as a 'traitor,' for allegedly undermining voters' rights by linking electoral roll revisions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's account.

Congress welcomed Kakkar and two other prominent figures—former Uttar Pradesh MLA Shyam Sundar Sharma and journalist Rajat Rakesh Tandon—into its ranks. Congress general secretary Naseer Hussain highlighted the significance of their joining, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, where assembly elections are due next year. He emphasized the party's commitment to humanism and sovereignty, contrasting it with other parties that focus on casteism and communalism.

Shyam Sundar Sharma echoed Kakkar's sentiments, stating that the Congress is the only party that prioritizes hard work, sovereignty, and dedication over divisive politics. He criticized other parties for their focus on caste and community divisions, which he said the Congress does not engage in.

Kakkar called for opposition unity, urging people to join the Congress to counter what she described as PM Modi's 'regressive politics.' She argued that the party's authenticity and resilience are key to preserving the 'idea of India.' However, the exact nature of the alleged voter rights violations and the role of Gyanesh Kumar remain unclear, with no official response from the Election Commission or the government to date.