In a major political move, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has removed Raghav Chadha from the post of Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha. This decision hints at possible internal differences within the party. AAP has now appointed Ashok Mittal as the new Deputy Leader in the Upper House.
Official Communication Sent to Rajya Sabha
The party has informed the Rajya Sabha Secretariat through an official letter about Chadha’s removal. It has also requested that Chadha should not be given time to speak in Parliament.
AAP currently has 10 members in the Rajya Sabha. Out of these, seven are from Punjab and three are from Delhi.
Chadha’s Recent Distance From Party Line
In recent months, Chadha appeared to move away from the party’s main political agenda. After AAP’s defeat in the 2025 Delhi elections, he focused more on public interest issues.
He spoke about topics like paid paternity leave and high food prices at airports. He also raised concerns about the rights of gig workers and the worsening traffic situation in major Indian cities.
In Parliament, Chadha highlighted menstrual hygiene as an important issue, calling it a matter of health, education, and equality.
However, his silence on key party matters raised questions. Speculation about his possible exit grew stronger when he was not included in the party’s list of star campaigners for Assam.
Possible Reasons Behind the Decision
AAP has not officially explained why Chadha was removed from the position. However, reports suggest that the decision could be linked to allegations of indiscipline and not following the party line.
It is also notable that Chadha did not comment on recent developments involving Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, who were discharged in a case related to the liquor excise policy.
Ashok Mittal Calls It a Routine Change
Ashok Mittal dismissed rumours of Chadha leaving the party. He said leadership changes are normal within AAP.
“Earlier, ND Gupta ji was Deputy Leader, then Raghav ji took over, and now I have been given the responsibility. Tomorrow, someone else may get the opportunity," he told news agency PTI.
“The party wants every MP and leader to learn and gain experience in different roles, and this responsibility has been given to me to develop administrative and political skills," he added.
Mittal’s Political Background
Mittal is a Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab. He was elected in April 2022. Since then, he has been part of several important parliamentary committees, including Defence and Finance.
In February 2026, he was also made a member of the India-US Parliamentary Friendship Group.
Chadha’s Rise in AAP
Raghav Chadha has been associated with AAP since the beginning. He started his political journey working with Arvind Kejriwal on the Delhi Lokpal Bill in 2012.
He quickly rose within the party. Chadha became a national spokesperson and later the youngest treasurer after AAP’s victory in the 2015 Delhi elections.
Chadha won the Rajendra Nagar seat in the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections. He also served as vice-chairman of the Delhi Jal Board.
In 2022, he became one of the youngest members of the Rajya Sabha. In 2023, he was appointed as the party’s leader in the Upper House, replacing Sanjay Singh.