AAP replaces Raghav Chadha with Ashok Mittal as party’s deputy leader in Rajya Sabha, sparks rift buzz
The party has also asked the Secretariat to appoint Ashok Mittal as its deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha.
Raghav Chadha's removal: In a major setback to AAP MP Raghv Chadha, the party has written to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat requesting his removal from the post of the party’s deputy leader in the Upper House and that he not be allotted speaking time under AAP’s quota. The party has also asked the Secretariat to appoint Ashok Mittal as its deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha.
The move comes amid Chadha’s continued silence on key developments surrounding the AAP and its top leadership, signalling a possible rift in the party.
Notably Chadha also did not publicy react a court cleared AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and others of all charges in the Delhi excise policy case in February.
He also remained absent from key party events including Arvind Kejriwal's press conference following his acquittal a 'jan sabha' at Jantar Mantar where the AAP chief launched a sharp attack on the ruling BJP.
Once considered a close aide of AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, Chadha has been associated with the party since its inception. He has served as the party’s national treasurer and is a member of its Political Affairs Committee, the highest decision-making body. He has also played a role in coordinating the opposition INDIA bloc.
This is not the first time Chadha has been flayed for his delayed response. Earlier he cited recovery from eye surgery in the UK for his silence over Kejriwal's arrest in the liquor scam case ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.