Soft PR, Modi 'fear', 'samosa' jibe: AAP rift widens as Kejriwal loyalist attacks Raghav Chadha

The development followed his removal as deputy leader in the Upper House, a move that triggered speculation about divisions within the party.

Responding to the video, AAP national media chief Anurag Dhanda accused Chadha of avoiding criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and failing to raise key national concerns in Parliament.

“For the past few years, you have become afraid, Raghav. You are afraid to speak against Modi. You are afraid to raise the real issues of the country,” Dhanda said.

‘Samosa over serious issues'

Dhanda also criticised Chadha’s use of parliamentary time, stating that the party must prioritise serious national matters.

He contrasted policy debates with what he described as less critical issues raised by the MP.

“In that time, we can either fight to save the country or talk about making samosas cheaper at airport canteens,” he remarked.

The comment followed allegations that Chadha had focused on relatively minor concerns instead of broader policy issues during limited speaking opportunities in Parliament.

Party lists instances of divergence

AAP leaders pointed to several instances where Chadha allegedly did not align with the party’s stance.

Dhanda claimed that the MP did not raise concerns when party workers were detained in Gujarat and refrained from supporting a resolution against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

He further alleged that Chadha remained seated during a parliamentary walkout staged by party members.

“When the party walked out of the House, he remained seated to mark his attendance to Modi,” Dhanda added.

Senior leader Sanjay Singh echoed these concerns, asserting that Chadha had consistently avoided taking positions on key national matters.

“Whenever a motion regarding various national issues is introduced in Parliament, you do not sign it, you do not lend your support. You do not raise your voice against Modi,” Singh said.

‘Silenced, not defeated’

Chadha responded through a video message, stating that he continued to raise public issues despite alleged restrictions imposed by his own party.

“Whenever I get a chance, I raise issues concerning the people in Parliament, including topics that are often overlooked. But is it an offence to talk about people's problems? Did I commit any crime?” he said.

He further claimed that the party had limited his opportunities to speak in the House.

“The AAP has informed Parliament that I should not be given a chance to speak. I would like to tell them — do not take my silence for defeat,” Chadha added.

Leadership change in Rajya Sabha

The party formally removed Chadha as deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha and nominated Punjab MP Ashok Mittal as his replacement.

In its communication to the Rajya Sabha secretariat, AAP also requested that Chadha should not be allotted speaking time under the party’s quota.

Chadha, once regarded as a close associate of party chief Arvind Kejriwal and among the youngest prominent parliamentarians, has played a key role in the party’s organisational and electoral efforts, particularly in Punjab and Delhi.