AAP Replaces Raghav Chadha as Rajya Sabha Deputy Leader; Ashok Mittal Named Successor

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has reportedly removed Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha from his position as Deputy Leader in the Upper House, a move that signals potential internal recalibrations within the party’s parliamentary structure.

According to reports, the party has appointed MP Ashok Mittal as the new Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha. An official communication regarding the change has been sent to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, formally notifying the removal of Chadha from the post. The party has also requested that Chadha not be allotted speaking time in the Upper House, sources said.

AAP currently has 10 members in the Rajya Sabha, including seven MPs from Punjab and three from Delhi.

The development comes in the backdrop of speculation over growing distance between Chadha and the party’s core leadership in recent months, particularly following the 2025 Delhi elections. During this period, Chadha was seen focusing on select public policy issues, including paternal leave with pay, rising airport food prices, urban transport challenges, and the rights of gig workers. He has also spoken in Parliament on issues such as menstrual hygiene, education, and social equality.

His reduced visibility on key party positions and core political messaging had fuelled rumours of internal differences, further intensified after his exclusion from the party’s list of star campaigners in Assam.

However, the Aam Aadmi Party has not issued any formal explanation for the leadership change. Some reports suggest that the decision may be linked to internal disciplinary considerations and differences over party positions, though no official confirmation has been provided.

Meanwhile, Ashok Mittal has dismissed speculation of any rift or political fallout, describing the change as a routine organisational exercise. Speaking to PTI, he said leadership roles within the party are rotational and meant to provide MPs with diverse parliamentary experience.

“Earlier, ND Gupta Ji was the Deputy Leader, then Raghav Ji took over, and now I have been given the responsibility. Tomorrow, someone else may get the opportunity,” Mittal said, adding that the role is aimed at strengthening administrative and legislative capabilities among party members.

Mittal, a Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab elected in April 2022, has served on several parliamentary committees, including those on Defence and Finance. He is also associated with the India–USA Parliamentary Friendship Group, with his current tenure extending into 2026.

Raghav Chadha, one of AAP’s prominent young leaders, began his political journey working with Arvind Kejriwal during the 2012 Lokpal movement. He rose rapidly within the party ranks, becoming its national spokesperson and later one of its youngest treasurers. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2022 and appointed Deputy Leader of the party in the Upper House in 2023, succeeding Sanjay Singh.