In a significant organizational shift within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal has officially replaced Raghav Chadha as the party’s Deputy Leader in the Upper House. Addressing the media following the announcement, Mittal sought to downplay rumors of an internal rift, revealing that Chadha was actually the first person to extend his congratulations.
A Routine Transition?
The change comes at a time of intense speculation regarding Raghav Chadha’s standing within the party. Despite the high-profile nature of the replacement, Ashok Mittal characterized the move as a “routine organizational decision.” > “In a democratic party like AAP, roles and responsibilities are rotated to provide different leaders with experience. Raghav Chadha is a valued colleague, and he was the first to congratulate me on this new responsibility,” Mittal stated during a press conference.
The “Silenced” Controversy
While Mittal projected an image of unity, the transition has not been without friction. The AAP leadership recently moved a formal request to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat asking that Chadha not be allocated speaking time from the party’s official quota.
In response, Chadha took to social media with a cryptic yet pointed message, stating he felt “silenced, but not defeated.” He emphasized that he would continue to champion public causes, even as his formal parliamentary role undergoes a shift. This follows months of “buzz” regarding his perceived distance from the party’s core leadership during key legal battles involving Arvind Kejriwal.
also read:https://newz24india.in/bpsc-aedo-admit-card-2026-download-link-exam-dates/
Who is Ashok Mittal?
Ashok Mittal, the founder of Lovely Professional University (LPU) and an MP from Punjab, is seen as a steady hand within the party. Since his election to the Rajya Sabha in 2022, Mittal has been an active member of various parliamentary committees, including those on Defence and Finance. His elevation is viewed by political analysts as an attempt by AAP to consolidate its Punjab leadership and promote a “performance-based” hierarchy.
BJP’s Reaction
The opposition has been quick to capitalize on the development. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva claimed the move reflects “anarchy” within AAP, suggesting that Chadha is being “penalized” for his recent silence on controversial party matters.
As AAP prepares for upcoming electoral challenges, all eyes remain on whether this shuffle is a simple administrative rotation or the precursor to a deeper realignment within the party’s top brass.