A fresh controversy within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has intensified after Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha was removed as the party’s Deputy Leader in the Upper House, exposing internal rifts at a politically sensitive time ahead of upcoming Punjab elections.
Chadha termed the move “unexpected” and conveyed disappointment, while asserting his continued commitment to the party’s principles. Sources suggest he believes his parliamentary record reflects consistency and alignment with AAP’s broader agenda, even as sections of the leadership have questioned his approach.
The party leadership responded sharply. Delhi AAP president Saurabh Bharadwaj accused Chadha of failing to take an aggressive stand against the Centre in Parliament.
“We all are soldiers of Arvind Kejriwal. The Centre doesn’t care about soft PR or talking about samosas at airport canteens when bigger issues are at stake,” Bharadwaj said, alleging that Chadha avoided opposition walkouts and did not toe the party line on key issues.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann sought to contain the damage, describing the development as an “internal organisational matter,” while stressing discipline and cohesion within the party ranks.
He underlined that all leaders must remain aligned with party strategy, particularly at a time when Punjab remains central to AAP’s political roadmap.
The controversy comes just days after senior leader and noted Supreme Court advocate H. S. Phoolka quit AAP to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), adding to concerns about internal dissent and weakening cohesion within the party’s Punjab unit.
Phoolka’s exit, given his stature and influence, has been viewed by political observers as a significant setback for AAP at a time when it is trying to consolidate its base in the state.
Meanwhile, the BJP has been steadily strengthening its Punjab strategy. Senior leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, are said to be closely involved in efforts to expand the party’s footprint in the state.
With the BJP looking to capitalize on any signs of instability within AAP, the Chadha controversy and recent high-profile exit could reshape the political narrative in Punjab ahead of the polls.
The developments have put AAP in a delicate position, where maintaining internal unity while countering political opponents will be critical. The party is expected to undertake damage-control measures, but whether the leadership can effectively manage dissent remains to be seen.
As Punjab gears up for a crucial electoral contest, the unfolding situation highlights the growing political churn and the challenges facing AAP in holding its ground.
