In a sharp escalation of internal tensions within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has strongly rebutted criticism from his own party colleagues, days after being removed as the party’s deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha.
Chadha was replaced by Ashok Mittal on April 2, 2026, a move that triggered a wave of public criticism from senior AAP leaders in Punjab. Prominent figures including Harpal Singh Cheema, Aman Arora, and Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal accused Chadha of failing to adequately represent Punjab’s interests in Parliament.
To my colleagues in AAP who were forced to issue videos saying that “Raghav Chadha failed to raise Punjab’s issues in Parliament”, here is a small trailer…Picture Abhi Baaki Hai.
Punjab isn’t a talking point for me. It is my home, my duty, my soil, my soul❤️ pic.twitter.com/qdTMHK4sqU
— Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) April 5, 2026
The leaders alleged that Chadha remained silent on critical financial issues affecting the state, including ₹8,500 crore in pending Rural Development Fund (RDF) dues, ₹60,000 crore in GST-related losses, and ₹1,600 crore earmarked for flood relief.
The controversy deepened after Bhagwant Mann and other party members suggested that Chadha had become “compromised” and had shifted focus away from key state concerns, instead raising what they termed “irrelevant” issues.
Chadha’s Strong Rebuttal
Responding to the allegations, Chadha described the criticism as a “scripted and coordinated campaign” aimed at discrediting him. To counter the claims, he released a video compilation of his parliamentary interventions, asserting that he has consistently raised Punjab-centric issues in the Rajya Sabha.
Among the key topics highlighted by Chadha were:
Agriculture: Advocacy for a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) and solutions for crop residue management
Connectivity & Heritage: Calls for corridors to Sri Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur Sahib, and heritage city status for Anandpur Sahib
Environment & Health: Concerns over declining groundwater levels and the infamous “cancer train” from Bathinda
Cultural Identity:
Recommendations for the Bharat Ratna for Bhagat Singh and the return of the royal throne of Maharaja Ranjit Singh
Chadha maintained that the clips released were only a “trailer,” adding that “the full picture is still left”—a statement hinting at further disclosures. He also asserted that while attempts may have been made to sideline him, he remains resolute, declaring he has been “silenced, but not defeated.”
Political Implications
The public exchange marks a rare and significant internal rift within AAP, particularly in Punjab, a key political stronghold for the party. The fallout is expected to have broader implications as the party navigates both governance challenges and internal cohesion ahead of future elections.
