A major political shake up took place in AAP Delhi. In a major internal reshuffle, the Aam Aadmi Party has removed Raghav Chadha as its deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, triggering speculation about a possible rift within the party. Chadha, who held the post since 2023, has been replaced by Punjab MP Ashok Mittal.
Party sources confirmed that a formal communication has already been sent to the Rajya Sabha secretariat, informing them of the leadership change.
What’s brewing inside? Leadership Change Formalised, Speaking Role Withdrawn
According to the sources, the letter sent to the Rajya Sabha secretariat not only confirmed Chadha’s removal but also instructed that he should not be allotted time to speak in Parliament as the party’s deputy leader.
This move signals a decisive shift in AAP’s parliamentary strategy and internal hierarchy.
Silence on Key Developments Fuels Rift Speculation
Chadha’s removal comes amid his noticeable silence on crucial developments involving top AAP leadership. His lack of public reaction after a court cleared Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia in the Delhi excise policy case earlier this year raised eyebrows within political circles.
He also refrained from posting on social media or publicly supporting party leaders following the verdict, an unusual move for a senior figure in the party.
Raghav Chadha’s Absence from Key Party Events
The 37 year-old MP was also missing from several key AAP events, including a press conference addressed by Kejriwal and a major ‘jan sabha’ held at Jantar Mantar where the party targeted the BJP.
His absence from these high-profile appearances further intensified rumours of internal discord.
Raghav Chadha- A Trusted Aide with a Long AAP Journey
Despite the current developments, Chadha has been a prominent face within AAP since its inception in 2012. Known to be close to Kejriwal, he has served as the party’s national treasurer and remains a member of its Political Affairs Committee, the party’s top decision-making body.
He also played a key role in coordinating opposition efforts under the INDIA bloc and has held administrative roles such as vice chairman of the Delhi Jal Board and advisor to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
Currently, he continues to serve as AAP’s Punjab co-incharge.
Not the First Time Under Scrutiny
This is not the first instance where Chadha’s distance from party affairs has drawn attention. During Kejriwal’s arrest ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Chadha had cited recovery from eye surgery in the UK for his delayed response.
While the AAP has not officially commented on the reasons behind the reshuffle, Chadha’s removal and replacement by Ashok Mittal mark a significant political development. Whether this signals deeper internal differences or a strategic realignment remains to be seen.
(This is a breaking news…)
Sofia Babu Chacko is a journalist with over five years of experience reporting on Indian politics, crime, human rights, gender issues, and stories about marginalized communities. She believes journalism plays a crucial role in amplifying unheard voices and bringing attention to issues that truly matter. Sofia has contributed articles to The New Indian Express, Youth Ki Awaaz, and Maktoob Media. She is also a recipient of the 2025 Laadli Media Awards for gender sensitivity. Beyond the newsroom, she is a music enthusiast who enjoys singing. Connect with Sofia on X: https://x.com/SBCism
