Raghav Chadha removed as AAP’s Rajya Sabha Deputy Leader; Atishi hits back, alleging he is “afraid” of BJP. Here’s what triggered the political clash
New Delhi: On April 2, 2026, the Aam Aadmi Party officially removed one of its once-prominent Rajya Sabha MPs from his deputy leadership role, leading to an immediate public clash between Raghav Chadha and senior party leaders such as Atishi. Here is what happened, the issues Chadha raised, and how the party responded.
The Party’s Move: Removal from Deputy Leader Post
On Thursday, April 2, 2026, AAP sent an official letter to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat. In the letter, the party removed Raghav Chadha as its Deputy Leader in the Upper House and recommended Punjab MP Ashok Mittal as his replacement.
The letter also clearly asked that Chadha should no longer be given speaking time from AAP’s quota in the Rajya Sabha. The change appeared on the Rajya Sabha website the same day. However, Chadha is still an AAP MP and has not been formally suspended from the party.
Ashok Mittal later described the decision as a “routine process” in a democratic party that allows leaders to get opportunities and grow.
Why the Action Was Taken: Reported Internal Disconnect
AAP has not released an official public statement explaining the decision. However, party insiders told media organisations that Chadha had gradually become distant from senior leaders and important party activities in recent months.
He was absent from several public events and protests led by Arvind Kejriwal, including during Kejriwal’s time in jail. Chadha also met the AAP convener only a few days after Kejriwal was released in September 2024.
In addition, Chadha remained silent on certain party issues after Kejriwal received legal relief in the excise policy case in March 2026.
According to sources, the party chose not to suspend him from membership because it did not want to give him “martyr status.”
The Issues Raghav Chadha Raised in Parliament
In his first public response, Chadha shared a three-minute compilation video of his speeches in the Rajya Sabha. The video showed him raising several issues affecting ordinary people, including:
• Air pollution in Delhi and northern India
• Rising airfares affecting middle-class travellers
• Rights and working conditions of gig workers
• The 28-day validity of mobile prepaid recharge plans and how it affects common users
• Menstrual hygiene and related public health issues
• High prices of food and beverages at airports
• Reforms needed in quick commerce and delivery services
• Broader concerns about governance, transparency, and financial pressure on the middle class
Chadha presented these as everyday problems of the “aam aadmi” that he tried to highlight in Parliament.
Raghav Chadha’s Immediate Reaction
On Friday, April 3, 2026, Chadha posted a video message on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption “Silenced, not defeated.”
In the video, he questioned the party’s decision and asked:
“Have I committed a crime? Have I made a mistake? Have I done something wrong? Is it a crime to speak for people?”
He said that raising issues important to the public in Parliament should not be seen as going against party interests.
He ended the message with the line:
“I am silenced, not defeated… I am that river which becomes a flood when the time comes.”
Chadha also thanked people for their support and asked them to continue backing him.
AAP Leaders Hit Back: Atishi’s Strong Statement
Senior AAP leader and Delhi Leader of Opposition Atishi responded strongly on the same day. In a video statement, she alleged that Raghav Chadha appeared “scared” of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
She questioned why Chadha had not spoken strongly against the BJP on major issues. She also pointed out that he did not sign an impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner that was moved by the Trinamool Congress.
Atishi said that many Opposition leaders change their stance because of “fear, threat, or inducement,” and suggested that “perhaps the same thing is happening” with Chadha.
She asked him directly:
“Why are you so scared of questioning the BJP?”
AAP leader Anurag Dhanda also criticised Chadha’s comments. Apart from these responses, the party has not explained the exact reasons for the leadership change.
What It Means for AAP’s Parliamentary Strategy
The decision means Chadha can no longer officially represent AAP’s position in Rajya Sabha debates, even though he continues to serve as an MP.
Sanjay Singh remains the party’s Leader in the Upper House. With AAP currently holding 10 seats in the Rajya Sabha (including estranged MP Swati Maliwal), the change is being viewed as an internal adjustment before upcoming parliamentary sessions.
So far, no additional disciplinary action has been announced against Chadha.
The incident has become the most visible public disagreement within AAP since Arvind Kejriwal received recent relief from the courts. What started as a quiet leadership change on April 2 turned into a public exchange of statements within 24 hours.
While Chadha is presenting himself as a voice for ordinary people, senior party leaders are questioning his commitment to AAP’s political fight against the BJP.
As of April 3, 2026, the situation has not escalated further. Chadha continues as a Rajya Sabha MP, and AAP has moved ahead with its new deputy leader in the House.
Prateeksha Kumari is a journalist and strategic communications professional specialising in digital journalism, political reporting, and public affairs. Her work focuses on grassroots issues, governance, and civic developments, with an emphasis on clarity, accuracy, and narrative-driven reporting.
She holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla and has qualified the UGC-NET examination, reflecting her academic grounding in media studies and communication research. Her reporting spans politics, public policy, health, education, and socio-economic issues, and she is experienced in bilingual (Hindi and English) content creation tailored to diverse audiences.
Alongside her journalistic work, she brings experience in political communication and public relations, where she has contributed to campaign messaging, media outreach, and narrative building. She has worked on integrated communication strategies across print and digital platforms, combining editorial judgment with audience insight and data-led content approaches.