AAP drops Raghav Chadha from key parliamentary role, sparks buzz over internal rift

Chadha, who had held the role since 2023, has been replaced by Punjab MP Ashok Mittal.

According to party sources, an official communication has already been sent to the Rajya Sabha secretariat confirming the change.

The correspondence also indicates that Chadha should no longer be allocated speaking time in the Upper House.

Silence on key party developments

The leadership change follows Chadha’s absence from public commentary on several recent developments involving the party’s top leadership.

His silence had already drawn attention and contributed to speculation regarding internal dynamics within the party.

Notably, Chadha did not issue any public statement after a court cleared AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and others in the Delhi excise policy case earlier this year.

He also refrained from posting on social media following the court’s decision, a departure from his earlier public engagement on party matters.

Absence from key political events

Chadha’s absence from several major party events further intensified speculation.

He was not present at a press conference addressed by Kejriwal at the party headquarters, nor did he attend a public gathering at Jantar Mantar, where the AAP leader criticised the ruling BJP.

These developments coincided with increasing attention on his reduced visibility within the party’s public and political activities.

'Master of people's politics'

Raghav Chadha, the husband of Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra, has steadily emerged as a prominent public-facing leader, gaining recognition for consistently raising everyday concerns in Parliament.

His interventions on issues such as high food prices at airports drew widespread attention, where he advocated affordable options for passengers.

He later highlighted the success of Udaan Yatri Cafe at Mumbai airport, which offers tea at ₹10, as a model for nationwide replication.

Chadha also criticised the 10-minute delivery model of quick-commerce firms, calling it exploitative for gig workers, and supported regulatory action that led to visible industry changes in early 2026.

Longstanding association with AAP

Chadha has been associated with the Aam Aadmi Party since its formation in 2012 and has held multiple key organisational roles.

He previously served as the party’s national treasurer and remains a member of its Political Affairs Committee, the highest decision-making body.

He has also been involved in coordinating opposition efforts under the INDIA bloc and has played a role in both Delhi and Punjab politics.

Parliamentary and administrative roles

Chadha entered the Rajya Sabha during his tenure as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in Delhi, becoming one of the youngest members of the Upper House.

Over the years, he has held several administrative positions, including vice chairman of the Delhi Jal Board and advisor to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

He currently serves as the party’s Punjab co-incharge, maintaining a role in organisational affairs despite the latest parliamentary change.

Previous instances of limited public engagement

This is not the first time Chadha’s limited public engagement has drawn attention.

During the period when Kejriwal was arrested in connection with the excise policy case ahead of the 2024 general elections, Chadha had cited medical reasons related to eye surgery in the United Kingdom for his delayed response.