Chadha Removed As AAP’s Deputy Rajya Sabha Leader

New Delhi – Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha has responded to his removal as the party’s Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha, asserting he has been “silenced, not defeated.” The move, announced on Thursday, has sparked speculation about internal tensions within the AAP, with some linking it to a broader rift with party leader Arvind Kejriwal.

Chadha’s response came in the form of a video message posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, accompanied by the caption, “Silenced, not defeated… My message to the ‘aam aadmi’…” The AAP has replaced Chadha with Ashok Mittal in the position of Deputy Leader, and has also requested the Rajya Sabha secretariat not to allot Chadha speaking time from the party’s quota, according to sources cited by Times Now.

The decision to remove Chadha follows a period of relative silence from the MP on key AAP matters and his absence from several public events led by Kejriwal, fueling rumors of disagreements with the party’s top leadership. Once considered a close confidant of Kejriwal, Chadha played a significant role in party affairs, particularly in Punjab and Delhi.

Highlighting Past Contributions

Prior to his removal, Chadha shared a video on social media showcasing issues he raised as Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha. The montage highlighted his advocacy for issues such as reducing the tax burden on the middle class, addressing data expiry problems, establishing paternity leave as a legal right, and tackling excessive baggage charges at airports.

AAP Downplays Concerns

AAP leaders have sought to downplay the situation, refuting claims that Chadha was being prevented from speaking in the Rajya Sabha. Ashok Kumar Mittal, the newly appointed Deputy Leader, stated that Arvind Kejriwal had entrusted him with the role and he would diligently represent both the party’s stance and national interests in the House.

Chadha has been with the AAP since its inception in 2012, holding key positions such as national treasurer and membership in the Political Affairs Committee, the party’s highest decision-making body.

Questions Raised by Chadha

In his video message, Chadha questioned the reasoning behind his silencing, asking, “Have I done something wrong?” according to reporting from the Indian Express. This sentiment echoes a broader concern about the direction of the party and the treatment of dissenting voices.

The Hindustan Times reported that Chadha’s removal follows a similar action taken against Swati Maliwal, further fueling speculation about a growing rift within the AAP.

Notably, Chadha previously gained attention for advocating for paternity leave to be enshrined as a legal right in India, arguing for shared parental responsibility and laws that reflect modern parenting realities.