Raghav Chadha was once considered a close confidant of Arvind Kejriwal and played a key role in party affairs. However, on April 2, 2026, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) made a surprising move by removing him from his position as Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha. This decision comes amid reports of internal differences within the party, suggesting a shift in the political landscape.
In a letter submitted to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, AAP confirmed the appointment of Ashok Mittal as the new Deputy Leader. Mittal expressed his commitment to fulfilling the responsibilities of the role, stating, “The party’s national convener has entrusted him with the role of AAP’s deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, and he will discharge his duties sincerely and present both the party’s stance and national interests forcefully in the House.” This marks a significant change in leadership as the party navigates its internal dynamics.
Chadha’s removal is particularly notable as he has been increasingly sidelined from political campaigns and organizational matters. Observers have pointed out that this shift reflects deeper issues within the party, as Chadha has been associated with AAP since its inception during the Delhi Lokpal movement in 2012. His experience and connections within the party make this change all the more striking.
As part of the transition, Raghav Chadha will not be allotted speaking time in the House from AAP’s quota, a clear indication of his diminished role. This decision raises questions about the future direction of the party and how it will address its internal challenges moving forward.
Ashok Mittal, stepping into this new role, remarked, “Now, I have been given this role. Our party wants all MPs to learn, and probably in that context, I have been given this role so that I can learn the processes and administrative skills in politics.” His appointment signals a potential shift in strategy as AAP seeks to strengthen its presence in the Rajya Sabha.
The AAP currently has 10 members in the Rajya Sabha, with seven from Punjab and three from Delhi. This composition highlights the party’s regional strengths and the importance of maintaining unity among its members. The leadership change could impact how the party approaches legislative matters in the future.
As the political landscape evolves, observers are keenly watching how AAP will manage its internal dynamics and the implications of Chadha’s removal. The party’s ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial as it seeks to maintain its influence in Indian politics.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific reasons behind Chadha’s removal, but the situation underscores the complexities of party politics in India. The coming weeks will likely reveal more about the internal workings of AAP and its strategy moving forward.
