Raghav Chadha AAP row: Raghav Chadha on Friday broke his silence after being removed as the deputy leader of the Aam Aadmi Party in the Rajya Sabha, raising pointed questions about whether speaking on public issues had become a “mistake.”
In a video message shared on X, Chadha asked, “Have I done something wrong?” while defending his record in Parliament. He said that whenever he got an opportunity, he raised issues concerning the public, including high food prices at airports, problems faced by gig workers, prepaid mobile plan costs, and the tax burden on the middle class.
`
“Is it a crime to raise people’s issues in Parliament?” Chadha asked, questioning why there would be any attempt to stop him from speaking.
“Don’t Mistake My Silence for Defeat”
In a firm message, Chadha asserted, “Don’t mistake my silence for my defeat,” even as he thanked supporters for standing by him. Hours after his removal, he also shared a video compilation highlighting his interventions in Parliament, signalling his continued political engagement despite the setback.
— Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) April 2, 2026
The development comes after AAP reassigned the deputy leader role to Ashok Mittal as part of what the party described as an internal reshuffle.
Responding sharply to Chadha’s remarks, senior AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj rejected suggestions of any internal rift and took a swipe at the MP’s statement.
“Jo darr gaya samjho marr gaya,” Bharadwaj said, in a pointed rebuttal, adding that those who have not been defeated should not behave as if they have been sidelined. He emphasised that party positions are organisational decisions and should not be interpreted as personal setbacks.
AAP leaders also maintained that Chadha was never stopped from speaking in Parliament and that the decision to replace him was purely part of routine internal restructuring, not a disciplinary action.
Responding to the controversy, Anurag Dhanda took a sharp dig at Raghav Chadha, suggesting that party leaders are expected to take a fearless stand against Narendra Modi rather than focus on comparatively smaller issues. Emphasising that AAP leaders see themselves as “soldiers” of Arvind Kejriwal, Dhanda questioned whether hesitation in confronting the central leadership aligns with the party’s core principles. He also contrasted the limited time available in Parliament, arguing it should be used to address larger national concerns instead of matters like pricing of food items at airport canteens.
हम केजरीवाल के सिपाही हैं। निडरता पहली पहचान है हमारी।
कोई मोदी से डर जाए तो लड़ेगा क्या देश के लिए?
संसद में थोड़ा सा समय मिलता है बोलने का पार्टी को, उसमें या तो देश बचाने का संघर्ष कर सकते हैं या एयरपोर्ट कैंटीन में समोसे सस्ते करवाने का।
गुजरात में हमारे सैंकड़ों…
— Anurag Dhanda (@anuragdhanda) April 3, 2026
Dhanda also said, “For the past few years, you’ve been scared, Raghav. You hesitate to speak against Modi. You hesitate to speak on the real issues of the country.”
Opposition Flags Possible Internal Tensions
The controversy has triggered reactions from opposition parties, with Bharatiya Janata Party leaders claiming the move reflects deeper divisions within AAP. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva alleged that Chadha’s removal indicates growing dissatisfaction within the party’s leadership ranks.
Some critics have drawn parallels with earlier internal disputes, including the high-profile fallout involving Swati Maliwal and Arvind Kejriwal in 2024.
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
Speculation around Chadha’s position has also been linked to his absence during critical moments for the party. When Kejriwal was arrested in March 2024 in connection with the excise policy case, Chadha was not part of the protests, citing medical reasons while he was in London for eye surgery.
He remained largely away during Kejriwal’s nearly six-month incarceration and reportedly met him only days after his release in September 2024, further fuelling questions about his role within the party during that period.
Raghav Chadha AAP row: Key Issues Raised by Chadha
In recent weeks, Chadha had actively raised several public interest issues in Parliament, including flight delays, alleged examination paper leaks, and the demand for legal recognition of paternity leave. His supporters argue that his removal comes despite consistent engagement with citizen-centric concerns.
The episode has put the spotlight on internal dynamics within AAP at a crucial political juncture. While the party continues to downplay any discord, Chadha’s public remarks and the leadership’s response suggest a narrative battle that could shape perceptions ahead of future electoral contests.
Whether this remains an internal organisational adjustment or evolves into a broader political issue will depend on how both Chadha and the party leadership navigate the situation in the coming days.
