“Silenced, Not Defeated”: Raghav Chadha Reacts to AAP’s Rajya Sabha Shake-Up

New Delhi, April 2026: Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Raghav Chadha on Friday broke his silence after being removed as the party’s Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha, asserting that he has been “silenced, not defeated” and questioning the reasons behind the decision.

Taking to social media platform X, Chadha posted a pointed message aimed at the public, saying, “Khamosh karwaya gaya hun, hara nahi hun,” reiterating that his voice may have been curbed but his resolve remains intact. In a video message, he emphasized his role in Parliament, stating that he has consistently raised issues affecting ordinary citizens—topics he claims are often ignored in mainstream debates.

“Whenever I get a chance to speak in Parliament, I raise issues related to the people. Is speaking on public concerns a crime? Have I done anything wrong?” Chadha asked, hinting at internal disagreements within the party.

He further alleged that the party had written to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat to restrict his speaking opportunities. “Why should anyone stop me from speaking in Parliament?” he questioned, suggesting that the move was deliberate and aimed at limiting his visibility in the Upper House.

Chadha highlighted a range of issues he has brought up in recent months, including the plight of delivery workers, rising food prices at airports, food adulteration, toll charges, middle-class taxation, and telecom recharge practices. According to him, these interventions were meant to amplify the concerns of the common man and had tangible public impact.

Expressing gratitude to his supporters, he said, “I am from you, and I am for you,” while urging people to continue backing him. He concluded his message on a poetic note, likening himself to a river that could turn into a flood when the time is right.

The development comes a day after the Aam Aadmi Party appointed Ashok Mittal as the new Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha, effectively replacing Chadha. The party, led by Arvind Kejriwal, formally communicated the change to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat.

Currently, Sanjay Singh serves as the party’s leader in the Upper House and chairs its parliamentary wing. Reports suggest that the party may have also requested the Secretariat not to allocate speaking time to Chadha in his previous capacity.

While neither side has openly acknowledged any rift, the episode has fuelled speculation about strained relations between Chadha and the party leadership. Political circles are also abuzz with rumours of a possible shift in his political alignment, particularly with Assembly elections approaching in Punjab, where AAP currently holds power.

Despite the uncertainty, Chadha’s message signals that he intends to remain active in public life, framing the episode not as a setback but as a moment of resilience.