AAP seeks removal of Raghav Chadha as Rajya Sabha deputy leader — here's why

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has written to the Rajya Sabha secretariat seeking the removal of its MP Raghav Chadha as the party’s deputy leader in the House and has proposed Ashok Mittal as his replacement, sources said on 2 April.

According to sources, the party has also requested that Chadha should not be allotted speaking time from AAP’s quota in the Upper House.

Mittal confirmed that he has been entrusted with the responsibility of deputy leader by the party leadership.

“Our party wants all MPs to learn… I have been given this role so that I can learn the processes and administrative skills in politics,” he told reporters, describing the change as a routine organisational decision.

He said he would present both the party’s position and national issues in the House.

Chadha’s recent absence

The move comes amid Chadha’s limited public presence in recent party activities.

Sources said Chadha has been absent from several events led by AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal and has remained largely silent on party matters in recent months.

Chadha, once considered a close associate of Kejriwal, had played a key role in party affairs, particularly in Punjab and during AAP’s tenure in Delhi.

He was abroad for medical reasons when Kejriwal was arrested in connection with the excise policy case in March 2024 and remained away during his incarceration.

He met Kejriwal only days after his release in September 2024.

Recent developments

Chadha also did not publicly comment after a Delhi court discharged Kejriwal, former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and others in the excise case last month, and was absent from subsequent party events, including a press conference and a rally at Jantar Mantar.

However, he has continued to raise issues in Parliament and in public forums, including concerns over air fares and gig workers’ conditions.

AAP currently has 10 members in the Rajya Sabha, including seven from Punjab and three from Delhi.

The development reflects a shift in internal responsibilities within the party, though leaders described it as part of routine organisational changes.