Raghav Chadha Removed from Deputy Leader in Rajya Sabha, Will oin the BJP?
NEW DELHI: Let alone the general public—even the staunch supporters and grassroots workers of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) were left astonished when the party, led by Arvind Kejriwal, removed Raghav Chadha from the post of Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha. By raising issues that directly impact the urban middle class, he has emerged as a popular face among the Gen-Z (new generation) demographic.
He grabbed headlines during the 2026 Budget Session of Parliament when he launched a scathing attack on the Central Government for imposing a heavy tax burden on the middle class while allegedly favoring the wealthy. In one of his speeches, the AAP Rajya Sabha member raised the issue of excessive sugar content in certain fruit juices, stating that some of them were, in reality, nothing more than sugary syrups. He alleged that these products mislead children and contribute to health-related problems. He demanded strict labeling regulations on the front of product packaging.
Removed from AAP Rajya Sabha Deputy Leader Post
Chadha also advocated for the protection of the rights of ‘gig workers’ (temporary employees), highlighted the deteriorating traffic situation in India’s major cities, and raised concerns in Parliament regarding menstrual hygiene. The AAP member further demanded that ‘paternity leave’ be established as a statutory right across the country. Through these initiatives, Raghav Chadha carved out a distinct identity for himself among the urban middle class and the aspirational sections of society. What, then, transpired that led his party to sideline such a spirited member? Where, exactly, did things go wrong?
Raghav Chadha has issued a forthright and defiant response following claims by the senior leadership of the Aam Aadmi Party that he might be contemplating a move to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Chadha posted a video lasting 2 minutes and 40 seconds, featuring a fast-paced montage of clips. These clips showcase various issues that he has raised on the floor of the House.
Although he has not directly addressed the rumors regarding his potential defection to the BJP, the objective of this video is to demonstrate his own political stature and to tacitly reject the label of being “sidelined.”
On Friday, April 3, 2026, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) issued a formal response to MP Raghav Chadha. This development highlights a significant public rift between the MP and his party’s leadership. All of this unfolded following a video posted by Chadha earlier that same day, in which he claimed that his recent silence in the Rajya Sabha was not of his own volition, but rather the result of a request made by the party to the Secretariat to bar him from speaking.
In its counter-statement, the AAP criticized Chadha’s legislative conduct. The party alleged that, on crucial occasions, he failed to stand by the party’s decisions. Even when other party members were walking out of the House in protest, he remained seated in his seat. The party further suggested that the sole purpose of his presence was to “mark his attendance” before the Prime Minister.
The party noted that he offered no public support for party workers who had been arrested in Gujarat. Furthermore, the party pointed out that he had also refused to sign an impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner. AAP MLA Atishi speculated that he might be planning to join the BJP, while Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also asserted that Raghav Chadha had “compromised.”
Meanwhile, Raghav Chadha’s wife—actress Parineeti Chopra—expressed her support for her husband, the politician Raghav Chadha. This came after he was removed from the post of Deputy Leader of the Aam Aadmi Party in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. Recently, when Raghav Chadha spoke about ‘paternity leave’ in the Rajya Sabha, Parineeti posted a note in support of him.
What is happening?
This change occurred when the party appointed Ashok Mittal to this position and informed the Rajya Sabha Secretariat of the change. Immediately following this decision, Raghav Chadha posted a video on Instagram featuring highlights from his speeches delivered in Parliament. This clip showcased the various issues he had raised—such as the tax burden on the middle class, banking penalties, food adulteration, air pollution, examination paper leaks, data privacy concerns, and rising costs in sectors like aviation and healthcare.
Reacting to this development, he wrote, “Silenced, not defeated,” and questioned the reasons behind his removal. “I raise issues that are not typically raised in Parliament. But is raising public issues a crime? Have I committed a crime? Have I made a mistake? Have I done something wrong?” he asked, adding that the issues he had raised were for the benefit of the public.
