'Such changes are…': AAP's Ashok Mittal after replacing Raghav Chadha
What's the story
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has removed Raghav Chadha from his position as the deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha. Punjab MP Ashok Mittal, who will take over the role, said such changes are a periodic process that occurs from time to time when questioned about the sudden leadership change. "Ours is a truly democratic party that seeks to provide training to all its members periodically and strives to nurture and bring out the talent within each individual," he said.
MP
Mittal is also chancellor of Lovely Professional University
Mittal, who is also the chancellor of Lovely Professional University, thanked Arvind Kejriwal for entrusting him with this responsibility. "I will fulfill whatever responsibilities the party assigns me, whether it involves participating in debates within the House or articulating the party's stance in Parliament and the Rajya Sabha in the manner prescribed by the party leadership," he said.
Leadership shakeup
Once a key leader, Chadha now faces uncertainty
Chadha's removal has raised questions about his future in the party. He was once considered a key leader and part of Kejriwal's inner circle. The 37-year-old chartered accountant has been with AAP since its inception and was instrumental in drafting the Delhi Lokpal Bill during its formation. He served as AAP's national spokesperson, national treasurer, and was elected from Rajinder Nagar in 2020.
Speculation grows
Speculation surrounding Chadha's position and absence from party activities
Chadha's absence from important party activities and his silence on major developments, such as when Kejriwal was cleared in the Excise Policy case, had fueled speculation of a rift within the AAP. The party now has 10 members in the Upper House, making it India's fourth-largest parliamentary group after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress (INC), and Trinamool Congress (TMC).