AAP drops Raghav Chadha: Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday removed Raghav Chadha as its deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha and appointed Punjab MP Ashok Mittal as his successor. Mittal, who serves as the Chancellor of the Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab, will now assist party leader Sanjay Singh in managing AAP’s affairs in the Upper House. 

Official clarification awaited from party

The development is being seen as a major shift within AAP’s parliamentary leadership, and has fuelled speculation about Chadha’s standing within the party. The 37-year-old had been one of AAP’s most recognisable national faces and was once considered a key member of Kejriwal’s inner circle. Although the party has not officially clarified the reason behind the reshuffle, murmurs regarding Chadha’s reduced role had been circulating for several months. 

Chadha standing with AAP since its inception

Chadha is a chartered accountant by profession, and also an alumnus of Delhi’s Modern School. He has been associated with AAP since its inception. He joined the movement during the final phase of the India Against Corruption movement and played a pivotal role in drafting the Delhi Lokpal Bill. He quickly rose through the ranks, as he became AAP’s national spokesperson, and later emerged as its youngest treasurer at 26. Furthermore, he became a prominent voice on television debates.

Notably, in the 2020 Delhi Assembly Elections, he was elected from Rajinder Nagar and was subsequently appointed vice-chairman of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB). He further cemented his position in national politics, as he entered the Rajya Sabha as one of AAP’s nominees in 2022. 

Chadha’s absence from activities fuels political buzz

In the recent months, Chadha was absent from the party’s key activities and was also tight-lipped over major developments, including major relief to Kejriwal and senior leader Manish Sisodia, which had triggered speculation about internal dynamics. Despite this, he continued to remain active in Parliament, raising issues such as exorbitant prices of food items at airports, gig workers’ rights and urban traffic congestion. 

AAP drops Raghav Chadha: Party maintains continuity

At present, AAP has 10 members in the Rajya Sabha, including seven from Punjab and three from Delhi, making it the fourth largest party in the house after the BJP, Congress and the Trinamool Congress (TMC). 

Reacting to his appointment, Mittal expressed gratitude towards Kejriwal and described the transition as part of the party’s democratic functioning. He said, “Every leader gets an opportunity to learn. Earlier it was ND Gupta, then Chadha Ji, and now me.”

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