AAP replaces Raghav Chadha as RS Deputy Leader; BJP alleges internal rift and ‘anarchy’

NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday appointed Punjab MP Ashok Mittal as its new Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha, effectively replacing Raghav Chadha in the role.

According to sources, the Arvind Kejriwal-led party has formally communicated the decision to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat and requested that Mittal be recognised as the new Deputy Leader in the Upper House. The party has also reportedly urged the Secretariat not to allot speaking time to Chadha in his previous capacity. Currently, Sanjay Singh serves as the party's leader in the Rajya Sabha and chairperson of its parliamentary party.

The move comes amid reports of strained relations between AAP and Chadha, although both sides have remained publicly tight-lipped. Political speculation has also emerged suggesting a possible shift in Chadha's political alignment ahead of the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections.

Reacting to the development, Virendra Sachdeva of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticised the decision, calling it indicative of "anarchy" within AAP's leadership. He alleged that Chadha is being sidelined for distancing himself from the party's leadership and accused Kejriwal of failing to tolerate dissent.

Sachdeva further claimed that Chadha's situation mirrors that of fellow AAP MP Swati Maliwal, who had earlier clashed with the party leadership. He described both leaders as foundational figures in AAP who are now allegedly facing marginalisation.

The BJP leader also suggested that if differences were irreconcilable, AAP should have taken a clearer stand by formally expelling dissenting members rather than limiting their roles within the party. (IANS)

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