AAP Replaces Raghav Chadha with Ashok Mittal as Rajya Sabha Deputy Leader
In a significant political development, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has replaced Raghav Chadha as its Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha. The party has officially appointed Ashok Kumar Mittal to the role and communicated the decision to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat through a formal letter.
According to a report by Press Trust of India (PTI), sources familiar with the matter had earlier indicated that Mittal, a Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab, was the likely replacement for Chadha.
Why Was Raghav Chadha Removed?
While Chadha has not yet issued an official statement regarding his removal, party insiders suggest that the decision was influenced by his prolonged silence on key party matters and absence from major political events led by AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal.
AAP leaders reportedly confirmed that a request for Chadha’s removal was sent to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, citing concerns over his limited involvement in party activities and campaigns.
Silence During Key Political Moments Under Scrutiny
One of the major factors behind the leadership change appears to be Chadha’s silence during critical moments for the party. As per PTI, his lack of active participation during the arrest of Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia in the 2024 excise policy case raised questions within the party.
At the time of Kejriwal’s arrest in March 2024, Chadha was abroad for medical treatment. However, even after returning to India, he maintained a relatively low profile and reportedly met Kejriwal only a few times.
Chadha’s Parliamentary Performance Still Strong
Despite internal concerns, Chadha has remained active in Parliament. He has consistently raised issues affecting the public, including:
- High airfares
- Challenges faced by gig workers
- Menstrual hygiene awareness
- The issue of “sarpanch pati” practices in rural governance
His speeches continue to gain attention, highlighting his strength as a parliamentarian even amid internal party shifts.
AAP Leadership Says Chadha Was Sidelined
According to party sources quoted by PTI, Chadha’s limited contribution to party organization and election campaigns led to him being gradually sidelined. This internal perception ultimately played a role in the leadership reshuffle.
Ashok Mittal Takes Charge as New Deputy Leader
Following the decision, Ashok Kumar Mittal has officially assumed the role of Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha. Like Chadha, Mittal is also a Punjab-based MP and was elected to the Upper House in April 2022.
He currently serves on key parliamentary committees, including:
- Committee on Defence
- Committee on Finance
Reacting to his appointment, Mittal described the leadership change as a “normal process” within the party.
Mittal Responds to Speculation Around Chadha
Mittal also addressed rumours about Chadha potentially defecting to the BJP, stating that he had no knowledge of such developments. He emphasized that the party encourages all MPs to grow and take on responsibilities.
He further noted that Chadha’s role in upcoming Punjab Assembly elections would be assessed and that the party continues to function democratically.
Rajya Sabha Speaking Opportunity Denied to Chadha
In another development, reports suggest that the Rajya Sabha Secretariat did not allocate speaking time to Chadha, as no such request was forwarded by AAP. However, Mittal clarified that Chadha would still get opportunities to speak in the future as part of the party’s democratic structure.
Conclusion: Internal Shift, But Future Still Open
The replacement of Raghav Chadha with Ashok Mittal marks an important internal shift within AAP. While Chadha’s parliamentary contributions remain notable, his reduced visibility in party affairs appears to have influenced the decision.
With no official response from Chadha yet, his political future—and role within AAP—remains a closely watched space.
