Why Raghav Chadha was removed as AAP’s Rajya Sabha deputy leader: Is all well in Kejriwal-led party? Here’s what Ashok Mittal said
Raghav Chadha’s Dismissal: What Led to the Decision?
Raghav Chadha’s removal as Deputy Leader comes amid reports of internal differences within the party. AAP formally informed the Rajya Sabha Secretariat about the change and also requested that Chadha not be allotted speaking time in the House.
Read more: AAP removes Raghav Chadha as Deputy Leader of Rajya Sabha
Although no official statement has been made, numerous media reports suggest that concerns about discipline and compliance with the party’s stance may have played a role.
Raghav Chadha and His Distance from AAP’s Core Agenda
In recent months, Raghav Chadha seemed to have distanced himself from the important issues of the party. Following AAP’s defeat in the 2025 Delhi elections, public focus shifted to broader policy concerns.
He brought up issues such as:
- Paid paternity leave
- Food prices are increasing at airports
- Rights of concert workers
- Traffic congestion in big cities
- Menstrual hygiene and public health
While these issues have attracted attention, the party’s relative silence on its core issues has led to speculation about its position within the AAP.
He was often noted for appearing distant from party matters. Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, when Arvind Kejriwal was arrested in connection with the liquor policy case, Chadha had attributed his delayed intervention to recovering from eye surgery in the United Kingdom.
More recently, in 2026, he did not publicly react after a court cleared AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and others in the Delhi excise policy case. His absence from social media and his failure to make a public statement following the development further increased speculation regarding his stance within the party.
Raghav Chadha and Exit Rumors in AAP
Raghav Chadha’s absence from the list of AAP’s star campaigners for the Assam elections has further fueled rumors of a possible exit.
Additionally, his silence on high-profile developments involving senior party leaders has also fueled speculation. It was also noted that AAP has not publicly commented on the latest legal developments regarding its senior figures, raising questions about its compatibility with the party leadership.
Ashok Mittal Replaces Raghav Chadha: What Does the Party Say?
Ashok Mittal, who is currently taking over as Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha, dismissed rumors of any negative fallout regarding Raghav Chadha.
He described the change as a routine organizational decision and noted that leadership roles are often rotated to give different members experience.
Mittal emphasized that the party encourages its leaders to take on various responsibilities to build administrative and political expertise.
Raghav Chadha’s Journey So Far in AAP
Raghav Chadha has been closely associated with AAP since its early days. He started his political journey in 2012 by working with Arvind Kejriwal during the Delhi Lokpal movement.
Over the years he rose rapidly within the party:
- Became national spokesperson
- Served as the party’s youngest treasurer
- Won Rajendra Nagar seat in 2020 Delhi Assembly elections
- Served as Vice Chairman of Delhi Jal Board of Directors
- Became one of the youngest MPs of Rajya Sabha in 2022
His removal from the post of Deputy Leader marks a significant change in his political trajectory within the party.
What Does Raghav Chadha’s Dismissal Mean for AAP?
The decision to replace Raghav Chadha highlights possible changes in AAP’s internal structure and strategy. While the party maintains this is a routine change, many see it as a sign of shifting leadership priorities. It is not yet known whether this move indicates a deeper rift or just a strategic adjustment. Raghav Chadha remains a key figure in the party for now, though his role has changed.
Input from agencies
