A fresh political storm has erupted within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) after Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha publicly questioned the party’s decision to remove him as Deputy Leader in the Upper House. In a sharp video message released on Saturday, Chadha demanded clarity from the leadership, asking exactly when he failed to support the party line.
He alleged that he has been facing a “systematic attack” and said he would address each accusation point-by-point. His remarks have intensified speculation about internal tensions within the party.
Chadha Seeks Answers on Walkout and Signature Row
Chadha directly questioned the party’s claims regarding his alleged absence during a key opposition walkout. He asked AAP to clearly state when he was instructed to support such a move and when he failed to comply.
He also raised concerns about a motion against the Chief Election Commissioner, asking why he was being singled out for not signing it when several other party MPs had also not done so.
According to Chadha, the issue has been unnecessarily blown out of proportion. He stressed that his focus has always been on raising public issues rather than engaging in internal disputes.
Claims of Performance Highlighted by Chadha
Defending his record, Chadha said his parliamentary work speaks for itself. He listed several key issues he raised in the Rajya Sabha, including concerns over Punjab’s water crisis, Delhi’s air pollution, and GST-related matters.
Earlier, he had shared a video montage showcasing his contributions as Deputy Leader. The video highlighted topics such as the burden on the middle class, data expiry issues, paternity leave rights in India, and high airport baggage charges.
AAP Replaces Chadha with Ashok Mittal
The controversy began after AAP formally informed the Rajya Sabha Secretariat about replacing Chadha with Punjab MP Ashok Mittal. The party also reportedly indicated that Chadha should not be allotted speaking time under its quota in the House.
Mittal, responding to the development, said that party chief Arvind Kejriwal had entrusted him with the new role. He described the change as routine and emphasized that AAP follows a democratic process where all MPs get opportunities.
He added that Chadha would continue to get chances to speak in the future and insisted that the party remains united and strong.
