'Did I commit a crime?': Raghav Chadha breaks silence after AAP drops him as Rajya Sabha deputy leader

Chadha shared a video on X, questioning whether raising public issues in Parliament had become a “crime” or a “mistake”, in what appeared to be a sharp swipe at his own party.

“Whenever I get a chance to speak in Parliament, I raise public issues—often topics that are not usually raised by MPs. But is it an offence to highlight people’s problems? Did I commit any crime or mistake? Have I done something wrong?” Chadha said.

He further alleged that the AAP had formally communicated to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat to stop him from speaking in Parliament.

“The party has told Parliament that I should not be given a chance to speak. Why would anyone want to stop me?” he asked.

Chadha added that while the issues he raised in recent times may have benefited the common people, he questioned what harm they had caused to the party.

Issues highlighted by Chadha

In the video, Chadha is seen raising several public-interest concerns, including:

• Mobile data validity rules, questioning 28-day recharge cycles
• Gig workers’ rights, focusing on wages and working conditions in quick-commerce platforms
• Broader economic and civic issues affecting urban populations
• Formal Removal and Replacement

Earlier in the day, the Aam Aadmi Party formally informed the Rajya Sabha Secretariat that Chadha should no longer be allotted speaking time as deputy leader.

The party has appointed Ashok Mittal, a Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab and chancellor of Lovely Professional University, as his replacement.

Sanjay Singh continues as the party’s leader in the House.

AAP currently holds 10 seats in the 245-member Rajya Sabha, making it the fourth-largest party after the BJP, Congress, and Trinamool Congress.

From inner circle to sudden demotion

Chadha, 37, has been associated with AAP since its inception in 2012 and was long seen as part of Kejriwal’s inner circle.

• He joined the party during the India Against Corruption movement phase
• Drafted the Delhi Lokpal Bill
• Became one of AAP’s most visible spokespersons
• Appointed national treasurer at just 26
• Won the Rajinder Nagar seat in the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections
• Entered the Rajya Sabha in 2022

His removal from a key parliamentary role marks a significant shift in his standing within the party.

Speculation over internal rift

While the Aam Aadmi Party has not officially explained the decision, speculation had been building for months.

Chadha’s absence from key party activities and his silence on developments involving leaders like Manish Sisodia had raised questions about his position.

Despite this, he has remained active in Parliament, raising issues such as:

• High food prices at airports
• Traffic congestion in cities
• Gig workers’ welfare
• Party’s Response

Responding to his appointment, Ashok Mittal said the party gives leaders opportunities to grow: “Our party is democratic... first ND Gupta, then Chadha ji, and now me.”