New Delhi – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the political circles of the national capital, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has officially removed its high-profile Member of Parliament, Raghav Chadha, from the post of Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha. The party has appointed Punjab MP Ashok Mittal, the founder of Lovely Professional University (LPU), to the position.
The decision was formalized through a letter sent by the party to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat. In an unusual and stern directive, the party has also requested the Secretariat not to allocate any speaking time to Raghav Chadha on behalf of the party during House proceedings. This development comes as a significant blow to Chadha, who has long been seen as the “poster boy” and a key strategist for the party in the upper house.
What Leaders in AAP Said About the Change
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann spoke about the matter on April 3, 2026, in Chandigarh. He said the change in the parliamentary post is a normal party decision. He compared it to his own early days when he won from Sangrur in 2014. At that time, Dr Dharamvira Gandhi was made the leader of the party’s parliamentary board, and later Mann also held such roles. Mann made it clear that anyone who breaks the party whip or line in Parliament will face action. He said, “Those who break party lines should be subjected to action.”
Mann also said Raghav Chadha is “compromised”. He explained that the party has clear issues to raise in Parliament, such as deletion of votes in West Bengal, arrests of AAP workers in Gujarat, MSP for farmers, GST funds held by the Centre, and problems in Punjab. But instead, if someone talks about samosa prices at airports or pizza delivery times, it raises doubts. Mann asked, “If instead of speaking on those issues, someone raises issues of samosa rates, pizza delivery, won’t you doubt that the person is speaking from some other station.”
Ashok Mittal, the new Deputy Leader, kept his words simple. He said there is no fallout or big fight. He told reporters that AAP gives every leader a chance to grow. “Our party is a democratic party and allows every leader to learn the ropes,” he said.
The “Samosa” Controversy and Shifting Priorities
The internal friction within AAP apparently reached a boiling point over the nature of issues Raghav Chadha was raising in Parliament. Party insiders have expressed dissatisfaction with Chadha’s focus on “soft PR” issues. Recently, Chadha had raised concerns about the high prices of food items at airports, specifically mentioning that a samosa was being sold for Rs 350 and tea for Rs 250.
While these issues resonated with some sections of the public, the AAP leadership viewed them as a distraction from more pressing political battles. Senior party leaders, including Delhi unit president Saurabh Bharadwaj and Atishi, have publicly criticized Chadha for not taking a tougher stand against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the central government on “core issues” such as the arrest of party workers and the alleged misuse of central agencies.
“A small party has limited time in the House. It is more important to talk about the larger issues of the country rather than the price of samosas,” Saurabh Bharadwaj remarked in a sharp retort following the leadership change.
“Fully Compromised”: Harsh Words from the Top
The most stinging criticism came from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. During a press conference in Chandigarh, Mann described Chadha as “fully compromised.” He stated that in a disciplined political organization, every member must follow the party line, and those who prioritize personal branding over the party’s legislative agenda must face consequences.
Mann’s comments highlight a deeper divide between the party’s Punjab wing and Chadha, who represents Punjab in the Rajya Sabha but has often been seen as more aligned with the Delhi-centric leadership. With the Punjab assembly elections approaching next year, the party is reportedly keen on promoting leaders who focus strictly on state-specific grievances and the ongoing struggle with the central government over funds.
Raghav Chadha Responds: “Silenced, Not Defeated”
Hours after the news of his removal broke, Raghav Chadha released a video message on social media. Defending his record, Chadha questioned if raising the concerns of the common man—such as taxes, tolls, and the cost of living—was a mistake.
“I have only tried to raise the issues that affect the daily lives of people. If talking about the common man’s pocket is wrong, then I don’t know what my role as an MP is,” Chadha said in the video. He described the party’s move to restrict his speaking time as an attempt to “silence” him but maintained that he remains “undefeated” in his commitment to his constituents.
Who is Raghav Chadha? His Journey in AAP
Raghav Chadha joined AAP in its early days. He worked with Arvind Kejriwal during the Delhi Lokpal movement in 2012. He quickly became a national spokesperson and the party’s youngest treasurer. In 2020, he won the Rajendra Nagar seat in the Delhi Assembly elections. He also served as Vice-Chairman of the Delhi Jal Board. In 2022, he became one of the youngest Rajya Sabha MPs from Punjab.
In Parliament, Chadha often spoke on public matters. He raised questions about paid paternity leave, high food prices at airports, rights of gig workers, traffic jams in big cities, and menstrual hygiene. He also posted about affordable chai at Mumbai airport’s Udaan Yatri café just days before the change. Many people liked his focus on daily life problems. But some party leaders felt he should speak more on core AAP issues against the BJP and central government policies.
The Opposition’s Take: Signs of a Deepening Rift
The BJP and Congress have been quick to capitalize on the internal turmoil within AAP. Delhi BJP Chief Virendra Sachdeva claimed that Chadha is being sidelined because he has distanced himself from Arvind Kejriwal’s style of functioning. Similarly, Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring noted that Chadha’s absence during crucial periods—such as when Kejriwal was arrested in 2024—had already created a perception of a rift.
The New Deputy Leader: Who is Ashok Mittal?
Ashok Mittal, the newly appointed Deputy Leader, is a well-known industrialist and educationist from Punjab. Since joining the Rajya Sabha, he has maintained a low-profile but steady presence. By elevating Mittal, AAP signals a shift toward a more traditional, grassroots-focused representation in the Rajya Sabha, moving away from the media-heavy approach associated with Chadha.
Mittal has played down the controversy, calling the reshuffle a “routine organizational process” and thanking Arvind Kejriwal for the opportunity to serve the party in a higher capacity.
More Reactions and What Happens Next
Other AAP leaders also commented. National media in-charge Anurag Dhanda asked if someone who “fears” Prime Minister Narendra Modi can fight for the country. But the main voices came from Mann and Mittal. The party has told the Rajya Sabha Secretariat to update the records. From now on, Ashok Mittal will lead as Deputy Leader for AAP in the Upper House.
Chadha can still attend House sessions and speak as an individual MP, but not on behalf of the party unless allowed. His term as MP is safe till 2028.
This development shows how AAP is trying to keep its team tight and focused. The party has grown fast since 2012. It now runs governments in Punjab and has MPs in both Houses of Parliament. Changes like this are part of keeping the organisation strong.
FAQs
1. Why was Raghav Chadha removed as the Deputy Leader of AAP in Rajya Sabha?
Official sources within AAP suggest the move is part of “internal restructuring.” However, senior leaders have criticized Chadha for focusing on “soft” public issues like airport food prices rather than the party’s core political battles against the BJP. There are also concerns regarding his discipline and alignment with the party’s current aggressive stance.
2. Who is replacing Raghav Chadha?
Ashok Mittal, a Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab and the founder of Lovely Professional University (LPU), has been appointed as the new Deputy Leader of the party in the Upper House.
3. Can Raghav Chadha still speak in the Rajya Sabha?
The Aam Aadmi Party has requested the Rajya Sabha Secretariat not to give Chadha the party’s allotted speaking time. While he remains an MP, he will not be able to speak as a representative of the party’s official stance unless the party changes its directive.
4. Is Raghav Chadha leaving the Aam Aadmi Party?
As of now, Raghav Chadha remains a member of the party and a Member of Parliament until his term ends in 2028. While there are rumors of a rift, no official statement has been made regarding his resignation or expulsion.
5. How has the Punjab leadership reacted to this change?
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann has supported the decision, calling it a necessary step for party discipline and even suggesting that Chadha’s focus had become “compromised” relative to the party’s goals.