The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has undergone a significant leadership shift in the Rajya Sabha, replacing high-profile MP Raghav Chadha with Ashok Mittal as the party’s Deputy Leader. The move, confirmed on April 3, 2026, has fueled intense speculation regarding a growing rift between Chadha and the party’s top brass.
“Silenced, Not Defeated”: Chadha’s Reaction
Hours after his removal, Raghav Chadha posted a defiant video montage on social media. While he did not explicitly name party leaders, his message was pointed:
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The Message: He claimed he has been “silenced, not defeated” and questioned why he was being stopped from raising public issues in the House.
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The Highlights: The video showcased his advocacy for “common man” issues, including:
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Ending the 28-day mobile recharge cycle in favor of a full calendar month.
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Protecting gig workers (Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit) from poor working conditions.
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Demanding paternity leave as a legal right.
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Abolishing bank penalties for failing to maintain a minimum balance.
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Why the Demotion? The “Silence” Factor
Though AAP officially termed the change a “routine process” to give all leaders a “learning curve,” political analysts point to a timeline of perceived distancing:
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The 2024 Absence: Chadha was notably abroad for eye surgery when AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal was arrested in the liquor policy case.
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Delayed Meetings: He met Kejriwal only several days after the leader’s release from a six-month stint in jail.
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Recent No-Shows: Chadha remained silent following the discharge of Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia in March 2026 and was absent from key party rallies and press conferences.
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The Second Fallout: Following Swati Maliwal, Chadha is now viewed as the second major Rajya Sabha face to potentially fall out of favor with the “inner circle.”
The New Leadership: Ashok Mittal
Ashok Mittal, the founder of Lovely Professional University (LPU) and a Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab, has taken over the role.
“Our party is democratic… First ND Gupta came, then Raghav Chadha. This is a learning curve so we can also carry out responsibilities.” — Ashok Mittal to NDTV
Mittal dismissed rumors of a rift, stating that the change would not affect Chadha’s role in the upcoming 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
AAP’s Rajya Sabha Strength
The Aam Aadmi Party currently holds 10 seats in the Upper House:
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Punjab: 7 Members
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Delhi: 3 Members
