Here's why AAP replaced Raghav Chadha with Ashok Mittal as RS deputy leader

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on 2 April replaced its deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, Raghav Chadha, with Punjab MP Ashok Mittal, amid speculation over his differences with the party leadership.

Party leaders confirmed that a letter was sent to the Rajya Sabha secretariat informing it of the decision.

“Rajya Sabha secretariat was made aware of the party's decision,” Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha Sanjay Singh said.

Chadha did not respond to requests for comment on the development.

Mittal assumes role

Mittal said that Arvind Kejriwal had entrusted him with the responsibility and that he would present the party’s position effectively in the House.

“Everyone gets time to speak in our party; it is a democratic process. Raghav Chadha will also be given time to speak in the Rajya Sabha in the future,” he said, rejecting reports that Chadha would be sidelined from parliamentary participation.

He described the change as part of a routine process, noting that earlier N D Gupta had held the post before Chadha.

Context of change

The move comes amid Chadha’s limited public engagement in recent months and his absence from several key party events led by Kejriwal.

Once considered a close associate of the AAP leadership and among its prominent young faces, Chadha 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, meeting him only after his release in September 2024.

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

Party sources said Chadha has been less involved in organisational activities in recent months, though he has continued to raise issues in Parliament and public forums.

He is the second AAP Rajya Sabha MP after Swati Maliwal to be seen as having differences with the leadership.

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

Party leaders maintained that the change reflects internal reorganisation and does not affect Chadha’s role as a member of Parliament.