Raghav Chadha has been removed as the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha and replaced by Ashok Mittal, marking a significant leadership reshuffle within the party. The decision was formally communicated to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat on April 2, 2026, and signals a shift in AAP’s parliamentary strategy.
Leadership Change
AAP’s letter to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat requested Chadha’s removal from the deputy leader position and proposed Ashok Mittal as his replacement. The party also asked that Chadha not be allotted speaking time from AAP’s quota in the Upper House, indicating a deliberate move to sideline him from parliamentary proceedings. Mittal, who is also the chancellor of Lovely Professional University, will now represent AAP in this key role.
Background on Raghav Chadha
Raghav Chadha has been a prominent face of AAP since its inception in 2012, serving as national treasurer and a member of the Political Affairs Committee, the party’s highest decision-making body. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Punjab in 2022 and was considered close to Arvind Kejriwal. His removal comes amid speculation about his “strategic silence” on recent party controversies and perceived distance from core issues.
Implications for AAP
The reshuffle reflects evolving internal dynamics within AAP. While the party has described the move as a routine organizational decision, observers see it as part of a broader realignment of leadership roles. With Ashok Mittal stepping in, AAP may be seeking to strengthen its parliamentary presence and recalibrate its strategy in the Rajya Sabha. The decision also raises questions about Chadha’s future role within the party, given his long-standing association and influence.
