Shocking! Raghav Chadha Dropped as Rajya Sabha Deputy Leader in 2026

Raghav Chadha, a popular political leader from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), went viral on social media for raising issues affecting the general public. These included the 28-day mobile recharge plan, 15-minute delivery claim by delivery apps, and the price of samosas at airports. These issues were taken note of by the central government, and positive actions were also taken.

However, his actions did not go down well with several party leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party. In April 2026, the party removed Chadha as Deputy Leader of the Party in the Rajya Sabha. This came as a shock to the public, and the decision by AAP received backlash from the public on various social media platforms.

Let’s understand what went wrong and what the reaction of Raghav was to his removal.

Who is Raghav Chadha? A Quick Background

• After completing a chartered accountancy course from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India in 2011, he started working as a chartered accountant.
• In the same year, he joined the Anna Hazare anti‑corruption movement.
• He served as co‑incharge in Punjab for AAP, and later, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Punjab.
• Within a few years, he became a prominent leader of AAP.
•  On 24 January 2023, he got married to the Indian actress Parineeti Chopra.

Removal as Deputy Leader by AAP in 2026

Amid the rising popularity of Raghav among the general public in 2026, his party made a surprising decision to remove him as deputy leader of AAP in the Rajya Sabha. Officially, no reason was given by the party.

The party also informed the Rajya Sabha Secretariat that he should not be allocated speaking time on behalf of the party.

Reasons for Removing Raghav Chadha

Soon after he was removed, the party started accusing him. Reportedly, Raghav refused to sign various party‑positioned motions. It included an impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).

It was also alleged that his failure to follow party discipline and sometimes took independent decisions. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann termed his behaviour as compromised.

Main Ghayal Hoon Tabhi Ghatak Hoon Comment

Instead of remaining silent, Raghav chose to give his response publicly through a video on social media. His comment, “Main ghayal hoon tabhi ghatak hoon.” (I am injured, that’s why I am portrayed as the villain) was enough to tell what he felt. ((The Times of India))

Here are a few key points from his response:

• He said the accusations were part of a planned campaign and scripted allegations.
• He further said that it was a coordinated narrative to tarnish his image.
• Raghav also said that he always talked about major issues, such as Delhi’s air pollution and taxation policies.

It might look like AAP vs Raghav; however, a few more things started making news. Various media outlets started hinting at intra-party rivalry. He was also accused of acting like a super CM in the 2022 AAP victory.

As per some AAP leaders, he stayed away from the media when AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal was jailed. In reply, Raghav uploaded a reel of highlight‑reel‑style video on his social media platforms. In the reel, he was seen raising issues on over‑priced airport food, delays in pensions, farmers’ distress, and urban governance.

Will Raghav Switch to BJP?

Where his own party members raised eyebrows over his behavior, BJP leaders were seen sympathizing with him.

Some BJP leaders were seen calling this act unfair to Raghav. It was speculated that he might join the BJP in the near future.

How Does the Controversy Affects AAP’s Image?

The dust‑up around Raghav Chadha poses real image risks for AAP:

• It exposes internal fissures at a time when the party wants to project unity ahead of national‑level battles.
• It gives the BJP and other opponents a hook to argue that AAP is unstable, vindictive, or incapable of managing senior faces.

Critics also point out that targeting a young, articulate MP can alienate the urban, youth‑centric voter base that AAP has worked hard to build.

Raghav Chadha’s Possible Political Future

Various political analysts speculated on a few prospects of his future:

• He could still stay in AAP, focusing on issue-based interventions.
• He might leave the party and join some other party, possibly the BJP.
• He could work as a social reformer after separating from AAP.

Political Career of Raghav Chadha

2020-2022

He served as an MLA from Rajinder Nagar in the Delhi Legislative Assembly. He was Chairman of the Committee on Petitions and the Committee on Peace & Harmony.

He was also the Vice Chairman of the Delhi Jal Board, and a member of multiple committees, including Business Advisory, Ethics, and Salary & Allowances.

2022

He was elected as a Member of Parliament to the Rajya Sabha.

2022-2024

He served as a member of the Committee on Finance and the Committee on Subordinate Legislation.

2024-2025

Raghav was a member of the Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs.

2024 onwards

He has been serving as a member of the MPLADS Committee, the Committee on Papers Laid on the Table, and the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Defence.

2025 onwards

He has been serving as a member of the Committee on External Affairs.

Who Replaced Him?

He was replaced by Dr Ashok Kumar Mittal. He is an industrialist, an educationist, and a politician. He is the founder and chancellor of Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, Punjab.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Raghav Chadha removed as Rajya Sabha Deputy Leader?

It was an internal party decision by AAP. It was considered a strategic or organizational change within the party.

When did AAP remove Raghav Chadha from the Deputy Leader post?

On 2 April 2026, AAP removed Raghav Chadha as Rajya Sabha Deputy Leader.

Who replaced Raghav Chadha as Rajya Sabha Deputy Leader?

After his removal, AAP reassigned the position to Dr Ashok Kumar Mittal.

Is Raghav Chadha still a member of AAP?

Yes, as of April 2026, Raghav Chadha is an active member of the Aam Aadmi Party.

Did this removal affect Raghav Chadha’s political career?

The decision faced backlash from the general public. There has been no significant impact on his political career so far.

You can also trad about another political leader Rohini Acharya.