In a significant development that has sparked speculation about internal tensions within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the party has removed Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha from his position as Deputy Leader in the Upper House. On April 2, 2026, AAP formally wrote to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, proposing Punjab MP Ashok Mittal as his replacement and explicitly requesting that Chadha not be allotted speaking time from the party’s quota.
The move comes amid reports of growing distance between Chadha — once seen as a close protégé of AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal — and the party’s senior leadership.
Party’s Official Stand
AAP leaders, including the new deputy leader Ashok Mittal, have described the change as a “routine organisational decision” and a “normal process.” Mittal stated that the party believes everyone should get an opportunity and that there was “no particular trigger” or evidence of anti-party activity. Similar rotations have occurred in the past, according to party sources, and the decision is framed as part of internal restructuring rather than any disciplinary action.
Reported Reasons Behind the Decision
Multiple reports point to a pattern of perceived indiscipline, prolonged silence, and absences from key party events:
- Chadha maintained a low profile during major AAP crises. When Kejriwal was arrested in the excise policy case in March 2024, Chadha was abroad for eye surgery and made limited public comments even after returning.
- He was notably absent from events following the February 2026 court discharge of Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and others in the same case, including skipping a press conference at the party office and a Jantar Mantar rally.
- Party insiders claim Chadha had “gradually grown more distant” from core leadership and organisational work. He was reportedly not included as a star campaigner for upcoming elections and showed limited involvement in state-level campaigns outside Punjab.
- Critics within AAP accused him of focusing on “citizen-centric” or “soft” issues in Parliament — such as high airfares, gig workers’ conditions, airport food prices, and middle-class concerns — rather than aggressively confronting the central government or aligning fully with the party’s hard-hitting political narrative. There were also mentions of him not always joining Opposition walkouts or signing certain motions.
While Chadha built a reputation as an articulate parliamentarian raising everyday public issues, some leaders viewed this as insufficient loyalty during challenging times for the party, especially after AAP’s electoral setbacks in Delhi.
Chadha’s Response: “Silenced, Not Defeated”
On April 3, 2026, Chadha broke his silence with a video message posted on social media, titled “Silenced, not defeated.” Filmed against the backdrop of the old Parliament building, he questioned the party’s decision and highlighted the issues he had consistently raised for the “aam aadmi” (common man). In a measured tone, he asked whether speaking up for people’s concerns had now become a crime, without launching a direct personal attack on AAP leaders.
His wife, actor Parineeti Chopra, also shared the video in a show of support.
Broader Context and Reactions
This episode is not entirely isolated. AAP has witnessed other public differences in the past, such as with former Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal. Opposition parties quickly seized on the development:
- The BJP suggested Chadha was being sidelined for distancing himself from Kejriwal’s leadership style.
- Congress leaders claimed it showed clear signs of a split, with some speculating about Chadha’s future political moves (rumours of possible closeness to BJP have circulated but remain unconfirmed by either side).
Chadha continues to remain a Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab, with his term extending till 2028. No formal expulsion has been announced, and he retains the ability to speak in Parliament as an individual member or use public platforms.
What It Means for AAP
The removal of a once-prominent face like Chadha underscores the challenges of managing ambitious leaders in a party known for its centralised decision-making under Kejriwal. Post-electoral reorganisations often involve reasserting discipline and alignment, particularly when the party faces setbacks.
From the party’s perspective, the change aims to ensure stronger cohesion and effective parliamentary strategy. For critics, it reflects an intolerance for independent voices or those who prioritise policy advocacy over strict party-line aggression.
As Punjab heads toward elections and national politics remains fluid, this public rift could either fizzle out through internal resolution or mark the beginning of a more significant realignment. For now, the episode has brought into the open questions about loyalty, visibility, and the space for dissent within AAP.
About The Author
