Raghav Chadha Removed as AAP’s Rajya Sabha Deputy Leader: Inside the Growing Rift with Arvind Kejriwal
The internal fractures within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have moved from whispers to open conflict. In a sudden move, the Arvind Kejriwal-led party has removed Raghav Chadha, once considered the Delhi Chief Minister’s protégé, from his position as the party’s deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha.
The decision marks a significant shift in the party’s internal dynamics, as Chadha had been a key face for AAP in the upper house since 2022. He has been replaced by Punjab MP Ashok Mittal.
The Ouster: How it Happened
The transition occurred on Thursday, April 2, 2026, when the party formally wrote to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat proposing Ashok Mittal as the new deputy leader. According to party insiders, the communication was notably abrupt, simply seeking Mittal’s appointment without mentioning Chadha at all. The change was quickly reflected on the official Rajya Sabha website.
While some insiders claim there was “no particular trigger” for the decision, others suggest the party had been biding its time. Signs of the disconnect appeared earlier when Chadha was excluded from the party’s list of star campaigners for upcoming Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry.
“Silenced, Not Defeated”: Chadha Hits Back
Raghav Chadha did not remain silent following his removal. In a pointed attack on the party leadership, the MP released a video titled “Silenced, not defeated,” shot against the backdrop of the old Parliament building.
In the video, Chadha alleged that the AAP high command attempted to curb his voice in Parliament. He claimed that AAP requested the Rajya Sabha Secretariat to stop him from speaking in the House.
Chadha defended his parliamentary interventions, arguing that he consistently raises issues affecting ordinary citizens. He specifically cited his efforts to address:
- High food fares at airports
- Problems faced by gig workers
- Issues with prepaid mobile plans
- Taxes paid by the middle class
“Do not consider my silence as my defeat,” Chadha warned in the video, describing himself as a “river which becomes a flood when the time comes.”
Roots of the Disconnect
The rift between Chadha and the party leadership may have deeper roots. Reports indicate tension regarding Chadha’s absence during a critical period for the party. In March 2024, when Arvind Kejriwal was arrested in connection with the Delhi excise policy case, Chadha was notably absent from the protests. He later stated that he was in London undergoing eye surgery during that time.
- The Change: Raghav Chadha is no longer AAP’s Rajya Sabha deputy leader; Ashok Mittal has taken the role.
- The Allegation: Chadha claims the party tried to prevent him from speaking in Parliament.
- The Tension: Chadha was excluded from star campaigner lists for several state elections.
- The Defense: Chadha asserts his focus has always been on public interest issues like gig worker rights and middle-class taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who replaced Raghav Chadha as AAP’s Rajya Sabha deputy leader?
Punjab MP Ashok Mittal has been appointed as the replacement.
Why does Raghav Chadha claim he was silenced?
Chadha alleges that the Aam Aadmi Party informed the Rajya Sabha Secretariat that he should be stopped from speaking in Parliament.
What was the reason for Chadha’s absence during Kejriwal’s 2024 arrest protests?
Raghav Chadha stated he was in London at the time for eye surgery.
What is the current status of the relationship between Chadha and AAP?
The relationship appears severely strained, with Chadha openly questioning the party’s high command and the party removing him from a key leadership position.
As the Aam Aadmi Party navigates multiple state elections, the public fallout with one of its most visible parliamentary faces suggests a period of significant internal volatility.