AAP removes Raghav Chadha as deputy leader in Rajya Sabha
What's the story
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has written to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, seeking the removal of Raghav Chadha as its deputy leader in the Upper House. The party has also requested that he be denied speaking time from AAP's quota in the Rajya Sabha, sources told ANI. The AAP has proposed Ashok Mittal as Chadha's replacement in the Upper House. The party has asked the Rajya Sabha Secretariat to expedite Mittal's appointment.
Leadership change
Chadha occupied the post since 2023
Chadha has occupied the post since 2023. Currently, the AAP has 10 members in the Rajya Sabha, with seven from Punjab and three from Delhi. The action comes amid Chadha's continued silence on significant events concerning the AAP and its senior leadership, which had fueled rumors of a potential rift within the party.
Career trajectory
Chadha's journey with AAP
Chadha has been associated with the AAP since the beginning, working with Arvind Kejriwal on the Delhi Lokpal Bill in 2012. He quickly rose through the ranks to become a national spokesperson and the party's youngest treasurer after its 2015 Delhi poll victory. Although he lost in South Delhi during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, he won from Rajendra Nagar during the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections.
Parliamentary impact
His contributions to Rajya Sabha
Chadha was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2022, becoming its youngest member at 33. He has been instrumental in AAP's parliamentary strategy and organizational work, closely working with leaders like Manish Sisodia and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. He has also raised important issues such as protecting gig workers' rights, high food prices at airports, paid paternity leave, and others.