AAP replaces Raghav Chadha as Rajya Sabha deputy leader, Ashok Mittal takes charge

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has removed Raghav Chadha as its deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha and appointed Ashok Mittal as his replacement, according to party sources.

AAP has formally written to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat informing it of the leadership change and requesting that Chadha no longer be allotted speaking time in the House under the party’s quota.

Chadha, a Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab since 2022, had been serving as the party’s deputy leader in the Upper House since 2023.

The move comes amid growing speculation over internal dynamics within the party, with reports pointing to Chadha’s continued silence on recent key developments involving AAP’s top leadership. His absence from major political messaging had fuelled rumours of a possible rift within the party.

Ashok Mittal, also a Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab and founder of Lovely Professional University, has now been given the responsibility of deputy leader in the Upper House. His appointment marks a significant shift in AAP’s parliamentary leadership structure.

The decision is being seen as part of a broader internal recalibration within the party ahead of upcoming political challenges, although AAP has not issued an official public explanation for the change.

The development has triggered political speculation, with observers closely watching whether the leadership reshuffle signals deeper organisational changes within the party.

A chartered accountant by training, Raghav Chadha has been part of the Aam Aadmi Party since its early days in 2012 and is widely seen as being close to party chief Arvind Kejriwal.

Within the organisation, he has handled key responsibilities, including serving as national treasurer and being part of the Political Affairs Committee, which is the party’s top decision-making body. He has also been involved in managing coordination for the opposition INDIA bloc.

Chadha moved to the Rajya Sabha while he was still an MLA in Delhi, making him one of the youngest members in the Upper House.

Over time, he has held administrative and advisory roles such as vice chairman of the Delhi Jal Board and advisor to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. At present, he is also serving as AAP’s co-incharge for Punjab.

His relatively low visibility in party matters has been noted earlier as well. When Kejriwal was arrested in the liquor policy case ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Chadha had said he was recovering from an eye surgery in the UK, which delayed his response at the time.