The suspended legislators are Shalley Chaudhary from Naraingarh, Renu Bala from Sadhaura, Jarnail Singh from Ratia, Mohammad Israil from Hathin and Mohammad Ilyas from Punahana.

Confirming the action, state Congress president Rao Narender Singh said the decision was taken after the Disciplinary Action Committee submitted its report, which has now been accepted. Party in-charge BK Hariprasad also acknowledged the suspensions.

The MLAs are accused of voting in favour of BJP-supported Independent candidate Satish Nandal during the polls.

The party’s disciplinary panel, led by Dharampal Malik, recommended strict action after reviewing their replies to show-cause notices. The panel also suggested that the MLAs be asked to resign from their membership.

Among the five, Shalley Chaudhary, Renu Bala and Jarnail Singh responded to the notices, denying all allegations. They claimed they had voted for the official Congress candidate and were being wrongly targeted. They also stated that they had shown their ballots to former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, who was authorised by the party to verify votes.

However, Mohammad Israil and Mohammad Ilyas did not submit any response to the notices issued by the party.

Out of these, 272 seats are expected to be reserved for women, marking a major step towards enhancing female representation in Parliament.

The announcement came as the government introduced three major bills during the ongoing special session of Parliament. These include a constitutional amendment linked to women’s reservation, a delimitation bill and legislation concerning Union Territories.

While Meghwal tabled the constitutional amendment and delimitation proposals, Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the bill related to Union Territories.

The special session, scheduled for three days, follows the conclusion of the Budget Session earlier this month. The Centre appears keen to build momentum around electoral and structural reforms, including the long-pending issue of women’s reservation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to address the Lok Sabha, with indications that the government may seek broader political consensus on the proposed reforms.

The ruling NDA government has reiterated its support for implementing the women’s quota, arguing that the demand has been pending for decades. Although a women’s reservation bill was passed unanimously in 2023, it has yet to be operationalised. The fresh proposal aims to link its implementation with delimitation and the redrawing of constituencies based on the 2011 Census.

However, the Opposition has raised concerns over the pace at which the government is moving. While broadly supporting the idea of women’s reservation, several parties have questioned the urgency, warning that hurried decisions could affect the balance of India’s federal framework.

The delimitation proposal has also triggered sharp reactions, particularly from southern states. Leaders from the region argue that revising seat allocations based on population could penalise states that successfully implemented population control measures in previous decades, potentially reducing their representation in Parliament.

The developments have set the stage for intense debate in the coming days as Parliament takes up these crucial reforms.

According to sources, ED teams from Delhi reached the locations early in the morning, around 7.30 am and conducted coordinated searches across at least nine sites, including properties in Gurugram. Security personnel were deployed outside Mittal’s residence, where he was present during the operation.

Probe Linked to Alleged Financial Irregularities

Officials familiar with the matter indicated that the investigation pertains to suspected financial transactions involving Mittal and his son. While the ED has not yet issued an official statement detailing the case, sources suggest the investigation is connected to alleged money laundering activities.

Political War of Words Intensifies

The searches have triggered a sharp political confrontation between the AAP and the BJP.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann accused the Centre of misusing investigative agencies ahead of elections. In a social media post, CM Mann alleged that the raids were part of the BJP’s strategy for the upcoming Punjab Assembly polls, describing the move as “typical” of the ruling party’s tactics.

Responding to the allegations, Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu hit back at the AAP leadership, accusing the party of corruption. He asserted that investigative agencies were acting against wrongdoing and that accountability would be ensured under the Centre’s governance framework.

Recent Leadership Change in Rajya Sabha

The raids come shortly after Mittal was appointed as AAP’s deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, replacing Raghav Chadha. The leadership reshuffle had taken place less than two weeks ago.

Who is Ashok Mittal?

Ashok Mittal is an education entrepreneur and the founder-chancellor of Lovely Professional University, one of India’s largest private universities based in Punjab’s Phagwara.

He began his career assisting in his family’s sweet business, which later expanded significantly. Over the years, Mittal diversified into the automobile sector, securing dealership networks before entering the education field.

In 2001, he established an educational institution that later evolved into LPU, which now spans hundreds of acres and hosts thousands of students from India and abroad. Mittal entered Parliament as a Rajya Sabha MP in 2022.

The ED searches were still underway at the time of filing this report. Further details are awaited as officials continue to examine documents and electronic records seized during the raids.

Samrat Choudhary Political Journey: From RJD to BJP 

Born on November 16, 1968, in a politically influential family in Munger district, Choudhary has been active in politics for over three decades. He began his career with the Rashtriya Janata Dal and served as a minister during the tenure of Rabri Devi.

He joined the BJP in 2018, and his political graph has risen steadily since. After Sushil Kumar Modi was shifted to Delhi following the 2020 elections, Choudhary gained prominence within the party.

Choudhary’s ascent within the BJP has been swift. He served as deputy to state president Nityanand Rai in 2019, became Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, and was later appointed BJP’s Bihar state president in 2023.

Following Nitish Kumar’s return to the NDA in early 2024, Choudhary was chosen as the BJP legislative party leader and subsequently became Deputy Chief Minister. He retained his position even after the 2025 Assembly elections.

Caste equation and political strategy

Choudhary, who belongs to the Kushwaha (Koeri) community, fits into the ‘Luv-Kush’ political equation historically associated with Nitish Kumar, a Kurmi leader. This caste dynamic is seen as a key factor behind his emergence as a consensus candidate within the NDA.

From rivalry to alliance 

Interestingly, Choudhary was once a vocal critic of Nitish Kumar during the Mahagathbandhan phase and served as a strong opposition voice. However, political realignments saw the two leaders join hands again under the NDA, strengthening Choudhary’s position in Bihar politics.

Earlier in the day, outgoing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar tendered his resignation to the Governor. He arrived at Raj Bhavan in the same vehicle along with Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Choudhary to formally submit his resignation.

Following his resignation, Nitish Kumar took to X (formerly Twitter) and said, “Now the new government will take charge here. My full support will be with the new government. Good work will continue and Bihar will progress further.”

The political development marks another shift in Bihar’s political arena, with the NDA preparing to form the new government under fresh leadership.


Also Read |  Who is Samrat Choudhary? BJP’s likely first CM in Bihar and his political journey

Nitish Kumar reached Raj Bhavan along with Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and senior leader Vijay Choudhary, where he formally submitted his resignation to the Governor.

Sources indicate that Samrat Choudhary is almost certain to be the next Chief Minister, with an official announcement expected later in the day.

Earlier, BJP state president Nitin Nabin met Nitish Kumar, accompanied by Samrat Choudhary and several senior party leaders, signaling key political developments ahead of the transition.

The final Cabinet meeting under Nitish Kumar was also held on Tuesday. Addressing ministers, Kumar said, “I came to power in 2005 and did whatever I could for the state. I will continue to guide the new government.”

Before tendering his resignation, Kumar, along with Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary, paid tribute to Dr BR Ambedkar. Meanwhile, political activity intensified at the Chief Minister’s residence, with senior JD(U) leaders meeting him throughout the morning.

With his resignation, the ‘Nitish era’ in Bihar politics has effectively come to an end. Having served as Chief Minister for 20 years, Kumar returned to his official residence at 1 Anne Marg after stepping down and is expected to vacate the CM House soon.

Also Read |  Who is Samrat Choudhary? BJPs likely first CM in Bihar and his political journey

If confirmed, this would mark the first time that the Bharatiya Janata Party gets a Chief Minister in Bihar.

Political Journey: From RJD to BJP

Born on November 16, 1968, in a politically influential family in Munger district, Choudhary has been active in politics for over three decades. He began his career with the Rashtriya Janata Dal and served as a minister during the tenure of Rabri Devi.

He joined the BJP in 2018, and his political graph has risen steadily since. After Sushil Kumar Modi was shifted to Delhi following the 2020 elections, Choudhary gained prominence within the party.

Choudhary’s ascent within the BJP has been swift. He served as deputy to state president Nityanand Rai in 2019, became Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, and was later appointed BJP’s Bihar state president in 2023.

Following Nitish Kumar’s return to the NDA in early 2024, Choudhary was chosen as the BJP legislative party leader and subsequently became Deputy Chief Minister. He retained his position even after the 2025 Assembly elections.

Caste equation and political strategy

Choudhary, who belongs to the Kushwaha (Koeri) community, fits into the ‘Luv-Kush’ political equation historically associated with Nitish Kumar, a Kurmi leader. This caste dynamic is seen as a key factor behind his emergence as a consensus candidate within the NDA.

From rivalry to alliance

Interestingly, Choudhary was once a vocal critic of Nitish Kumar during the Mahagathbandhan phase and served as a strong opposition voice. However, political realignments saw the two leaders join hands again under the NDA, strengthening Choudhary’s position in Bihar politics.

Controversies and criticism

Despite his rise, Samrat Choudhary has faced criticism over alleged discrepancies related to his educational qualifications, an issue raised by political strategist Prashant Kishor during election campaigns. However, the matter did not significantly impact his political career.

The veteran leader, who has dominated Bihar politics for nearly two decades, is expected to step down later in the day. The development sets the stage for the BJP to take the lead in forming the next government in the state.

NDA meetings today to decide next Chief Minister

The race for Bihar’s next Chief Minister is expected to conclude today, with key meetings lined up in Patna. The BJP Legislature Party is scheduled to meet at 3 pm to elect its leader, in the presence of central observer Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

This will be followed by a crucial NDA meeting at 4 PM in the Central Hall of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, where the alliance will finalise its CM face.

Among the frontrunners, Samrat Choudhary has emerged as the leading contender. Other names doing the rounds include Nityanand Rai and Renu Devi.

Cabinet dissolution marks penultimate step

The dissolution of the Cabinet is being seen as the final administrative step before Nitish Kumar formally submits his resignation. Sources suggest that the transition could be swift, with Bihar likely to have a new Chief Minister as early as April 15.

The swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place at Lok Bhawan, with top national leaders, including Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, likely to attend.

Nitish Kumar’s shift to national politics

In a significant shift, Nitish Kumar has already moved to the national stage. He took oath as a Rajya Sabha MP on April 11 after being elected to the Upper House in March.

As per parliamentary norms, he resigned from his position as an MLC in the Bihar Legislative Council within the stipulated time frame.

Last day in office 

Even as political developments gathered pace, Nitish Kumar maintained a low-key schedule on his final full day in office. He reviewed ongoing infrastructure projects, including a four-lane road project in Saran and a parallel bridge to JP Setu in Patna. He also visited his new residence at 7, Circular Road, where he is expected to shift after demitting office.

The final Cabinet meeting was largely symbolic, with colleagues expressing gratitude for his leadership and contribution to Bihar’s transformation.

Behind-the-scenes negotiations within NDA

While the public narrative focused on leadership change, intense discussions continued within the NDA over government formation. Key issues under deliberation included the Deputy Chief Minister’s post and a possible role for Nishant Kumar, though he is reportedly reluctant to enter active politics.

Senior JD(U) leaders, including Sanjay Jha and Lalan Singh, held multiple rounds of discussions with BJP leadership, particularly Samrat Choudhary, to finalise the structure of the new government.

Symbolic changes were also visible at the JD(U) office, where posters projecting Nitish Kumar’s continued leadership were taken down, signalling a clear transition.

Opposition attacks decision

The political shift has drawn criticism from the opposition, with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav terming Nitish Kumar’s resignation as a “forced decision” and accusing him of betraying the mandate given by the people.

Samrat Choudhary emerges as strongest contender

Although the BJP has not officially announced its choice, momentum appears to be strongly in favour of Samrat Choudhary. His residence has become the focal point of political activity, with visits from senior leaders and top bureaucrats indicating an imminent transition.

BJP poised to lead Bihar for first time

Nitish Kumar’s exit and transition to the Rajya Sabha mark a structural shift in Bihar politics. For the first time, the BJP is set to lead the NDA government in the state.

With the alliance enjoying a comfortable majority in the 243-member Assembly, the formation of the new government is expected to proceed smoothly.

Even as he steps aside, JD(U) leaders maintain that Nitish Kumar will continue to guide the government and remain a key figure in Bihar’s political landscape.

The 75-year-old leader was elected to the Upper House as a candidate of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). His move to Parliament is being seen as a significant political shift, potentially paving the way for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to appoint its own Chief Minister in Bihar for the first time in the state’s history.

According to sources, the contours of the new government in Bihar are likely to become clearer after April 13, coinciding with the festival of Baisakhi.

Nitish Kumar began his political career in 1985 as a legislator and went on to hold key positions at the Centre, including serving as a Union Minister in the government led by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Since 2005, he has largely remained at the helm of Bihar as Chief Minister, barring brief interruptions.

Known for his pragmatic and often unpredictable political strategies, Nitish Kumar has switched alliances multiple times, particularly after 2013. His decisions to realign with different political blocs have often been driven by the need to maintain political stability and retain power.

Before stepping away from state politics, Nitish Kumar has also initiated the political entry of his son, Nishant Kumar, through the Janata Dal (United). Nishant is currently touring Bihar, although matching his father’s political stature is expected to be a formidable challenge.

Nitish Kumar’s departure from state politics marks the end of an era in Bihar, where he remained a central figure for nearly two decades.

Noni Mann, a prominent political figure in Punjab and son of former Ferozepur MP late Zora Singh Mann, was arrested in November 2025 in connection with a firing incident that took place during the October 2024 panchayat elections in Fazilka.

Earlier, his bail plea had been rejected by a Fazilka court in December, following which he approached the High Court seeking relief.

 The case pertains to alleged clashes and firing reported during the panchayat polls, which had drawn significant attention in the region.

The bypoll is scheduled to take place on April 23. On the final day for withdrawal of nominations, Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal confirmed that the party’s candidate, Amar More, would step aside from the contest.

Ajit Pawar, who was serving as the Deputy Chief Minister and Baramati MLA at the time, died in January when his aircraft crashed while approaching Baramati. Following his death, Sunetra Pawar was appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister a month later.

Baramati has long been considered a stronghold of the Pawar family. Ajit Pawar had represented the constituency since 1991, while before him, the seat was held by his uncle Sharad Pawar. At present, the family also holds the Baramati parliamentary seat, represented by Supriya Sule.

Explaining the party’s decision, Sapkal said the Congress had initially entered the race to contest on ideological grounds, raising concerns about the functioning of the Election Commission. However, the party later chose to withdraw its candidate to honour Ajit Pawar’s past association with Congress-led governments in the state.

Addressing a press conference at Chandigarh Press Club, Dr Navjot Kaur said she had already informed the public about her decision earlier in the day through a post on X (formerly Twitter). She also recently shared a poster of the nine-year-old Delhi-based party, pointing towards her formal association.

Explaining her move, she criticised the financial demands of major political parties, saying she was unwilling to spend large sums of money to secure an election ticket. “I would rather invest that money in meaningful work,” she said, adding that she has been receiving support calls from abroad as well.

Dr Navjot Kaur announced that the party aims to contest all 117 seats in Punjab. Outlining her governance vision, she said ministers would be required to submit performance reports within a month if her party comes to power. She said only experienced people would be included in the Cabinet, and portfolios would be assigned based on expertise.

Agriculture, she said, would be a central focus area. Among her more controversial proposals, she suggested allowing controlled cultivation of opium for farmers, arguing it could serve as an economic alternative.

Highlighting concerns over rising stress levels among families, Navjot Kaur proposed expanding access to counselling services to address mental health issues among youth. 

On Punjab’s ongoing drug crisis, Navjot Kaur argued that simply attempting to eliminate drug use is not enough. She stressed the importance of providing viable alternatives to prevent youth from turning to substance abuse.

Responding to questions about political leaders, she described Raghav Chadha as a “good individual” who raises important issues.

She also referred to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as “still like a sister,” indicating that personal relationships remain intact despite political shifts.

Speaking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she recalled receiving political opportunities during her earlier tenure and acknowledged the support she had experienced at the time.

Navjot Kaur stated that Navjot Singh Sidhu is currently not affiliated with any political party and has not been approached by his former party since 2022.

The decision comes just days after Paes joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi, stepping into active politics ahead of upcoming elections.

Officials said the security cover includes CISF personnel assigned to ensure his safety. The move has been taken at a time when political activity is picking up in several states, especially West Bengal.

Paes, 52, described his entry into the BJP as a responsibility and said he wants to serve the country. Earlier, he was linked with the All India Trinamool Congress, which is currently in power in West Bengal.

His joining the BJP is being seen as important, particularly with the West Bengal Assembly elections approaching. With his popularity and sports background, Paes is likely to be a key face for the party’s campaign in the state.

In the video, Chadha shared clips from Rajya Sabha sessions showing him raising several issues related to Punjab. These included concerns about the falling water table, the state’s water crisis, the demand for a legal MSP for farmers, and the need to create corridors between India and Pakistan so that pilgrims can visit important gurdwaras there, including Nankana Sahib.

Captioning the video “Picture Abhi Baaki Hai”, Chadha dismissed AAP’s claim that he had not been raising issues concerning Punjab in his speeches in Parliament.

To my colleagues in AAP who were forced to issue videos saying that “Raghav Chadha failed to raise Punjab’s issues in Parliament”, here is a small trailer…Picture Abhi Baaki Hai.

Punjab isn’t a talking point for me. It is my home, my duty, my soil, my soul❤️ pic.twitter.com/qdTMHK4sqU

— Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) April 5, 2026

“To my colleagues in AAP who were forced to issue videos saying that ‘Raghav Chadha failed to raise Punjab’s issues in Parliament’, here is a small trailer…Picture Abhi Baaki Hai.

“Punjab isn’t a talking point for me. It is my home, my duty, my soil, my soul,” he said.

Chadha said that Punjab, which he represents in the Rajya Sabha, is very important to him and not just a topic for discussion. Since his removal, he and the AAP have been openly criticising each other.

Chadha said similar allegations were being repeated against him in the same language, which, according to him, was not a coincidence but a deliberate attempt to target him. He initially chose to stay silent but later decided to respond, saying that repeated false claims could be mistaken as truth.

Rejecting the charges levelled by his party, Raghav Chadha said he goes to Parliament to raise public issues, not to create disruption. “I am not there to shout, break mics or create chaos, but to speak for the people,” he said.

AAP had accused him of not supporting opposition walkouts, not signing an impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner and failing to raise public issues. Refuting these claims, Chadha challenged the party to prove even one allegation. He said CCTV footage from Parliament could verify his participation in opposition protests. On the impeachment motion, he clarified that not all party MPs had signed it, as only a limited number of signatures were required.

He also dismissed allegations that he avoided raising issues out of fear, stating that during his tenure he had spoken on matters like Punjab’s water crisis, Delhi pollution, taxation and even menstrual health. He warned that he would continue to expose what he called “false narratives” against him.

मैं बोलना नहीं चाहता था, मगर चुप रहता तो बार-बार दोहराया गया झूठ भी सच लगने लगता।

Three Allegations. Zero Truth.

My Response: pic.twitter.com/tPdjp04TLt

— Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) April 4, 2026

The controversy comes after AAP removed Raghav Chadha from the Deputy Leader’s post on April 2 and replaced him with Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal. The party also informed the Rajya Sabha Secretariat not to allocate speaking time to Chadha on its behalf, though no official reason for the decision was provided.

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema criticised Chadha, claiming that despite being elected by Punjab MLAs, he failed to raise key issues related to the state in Parliament. He alleged that Chadha did not speak on matters such as pending Rural Development Fund dues, GST-related financial losses and relief funds announced during floods.

Cheema further accused him of distancing himself from the party and not standing with Punjab during difficult times. He even suggested that Chadha had compromised on important issues, calling it a betrayal of both the party and the people of Punjab.

Raghav Chadha, who has been a Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab since 2022, has a term till 2028. 

Seven judicial officers held hostage

The incident took place at the Kaliachak 2 Block Development Office on Wednesday evening. Seven judicial officers, including three women, were confined inside the office for nearly eight hours by a large group of protesters. The officers were engaged in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls ahead of the Assembly elections.

Protest over voter list deletions

The protesters alleged that names of genuine voters had been removed from the electoral rolls. The issue triggered unrest in several districts, including Malda, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar and Purba Bardhaman, where demonstrations, road blockades and tyre burning were reported.

Multiple arrests made

The police have so far arrested 33 persons in connection with the incident. Among those detained is ISF candidate Maulana Muhammad Shahjahan Ali Qadri from the Mothabari Assembly seat.

Supreme Court terms incident ‘deplorable’

The Supreme Court strongly criticised the incident, calling it “deplorable” and a “well-planned attempt” to obstruct judicial functioning. The court observed that such actions amount to challenging its authority, as the officers were carrying out duties on its behalf.

Central forces to be deployed

The court has directed the Election Commission of India to deploy central forces at all locations where judicial officers are handling voter-related cases. 

In a direct swipe, Delhi unit president Saurabh Bhardwaj accused Chadha of growing increasingly reluctant to speak against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Bhardwaj said, "We are Arvind Kejriwal's soldiers. Fearlessness is our primary identity. If someone is afraid of Narendra Modi, will they fight for the country?" 

Just saw ur video Raghav bhai.
I just want to say - “जो डर गया, समझो मर गया” pic.twitter.com/cgXN9cI4aG

— Saurabh Bharadwaj (@Saurabh_MLAgk) April 3, 2026

"For the past few years, you have become afraid, Raghav. You are afraid to speak against Modi. You are afraid to raise the real issues of the country," he said, signalling deepening unease within the party ranks.

He also questioned Chadha’s conduct in Parliament, saying that since the party gets limited time to speak, it should be used to raise important national issues.

“In that time, we can either fight to save the country or talk about making samosas cheaper at airport canteens,” Dhanda said.

“In that time, we can either fight to save the country or talk about making samosas cheaper at airport canteens,” Bhardwaj said.

He further alleged that Chadha refused to sign a resolution against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Bhardwaj's sharp attack attack comes shortly after Raghav Chadha posted a video message on X claiming that despite being silenced by his own party but remained undefeated. 

It is learnt that Nitish Kumar may resign as Chief Minister soon after returning to Patna, possibly on or after April 12. This could lead to the formation of a new government in Bihar. His move to the Rajya Sabha has sparked fresh discussions about who will be the next Chief Minister.

Who will be Bihar's next CM?

Within the BJP, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is being seen as a strong contender for the top post. Union Minister Nityanand Rai is also among the possible names. The final decision is expected to be taken by the party’s central leadership.

Meanwhile, sources from JD(U) say the party may demand a larger role in the new Cabinet. There is also talk about a possible key role for Nitish Kumar’s son, Nishant Kumar.

Even after stepping down, Nitish Kumar will continue to get ‘Z Plus’ security, the highest level of protection, as confirmed by the Bihar Home Department.

Addressing a Sainik Samman Sammelan in poll-bound Kerala, Rajnath Singh assured that there is no shortage of fuel or gas in the country. He said India is fully prepared to deal with any possible disruption in energy supplies due to the ongoing tensions in West Asia.

He said PM Narendra Modi is actively engaging at the diplomatic level to protect India’s interests in the Gulf region. 
During his speech, Rajnath Singh appealed to voters to support the BJP in the upcoming state elections, saying it is capable of bringing positive change to Kerala. He referred to the party’s promises as “Modiyude guarantees,” highlighting the Prime Minister’s leadership as dependable. He described Modi’s leadership as “24-carat gold,” saying it has proven its strength over time.

The Kerala Assembly elections, which will be held for 140 seats, are scheduled for April 9.

Meanwhile, two more Indian-flagged LPG tankers carrying around 94,000 tonne of fuel have safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz on March 30. With this, the total number of such vessels to cross the route has reached six.

The ships, BW TYR and BW ELM, are expected to arrive in India soon. BW TYR is likely to reach Mumbai, while BW ELM is heading towards New Mangalore and is expected to dock on April 1.

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.