Punjab politics witnessed a major twist after Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann openly criticized Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, shortly after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) removed him from the post of Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha.
Taking a strong stance, Chief Minister Mann said that Raghav Chadha failed to raise key Punjab-related issues and instead focused on unnecessary matters. He stated that while Punjab needed strong representation on crucial topics such as pending funds allegedly withheld by the Centre, Chadha continued to speak on what he described as the “samosa issue.”
Mann further remarked that Chadha’s statements and political positions appeared as if they were being delivered from a different platform. He added that several party decisions require coordination with opposition parties, and disciplinary action becomes inevitable if any leader deviates from the party line. During his remarks, Mann also described Chadha as “compromised,” intensifying political discussions across the state.
Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party implemented a significant leadership change in the Rajya Sabha by appointing Ashok Mittal as the new Deputy Leader, replacing Raghav Chadha. Party leaders confirmed that the Rajya Sabha Secretariat has been officially informed about the decision. Senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh stated that the move was taken after careful consideration by the party leadership.
However, the party clarified that Raghav Chadha has not been denied opportunities to speak in Parliament and continues to remain a member of the party.
Reacting to the development, Chadha shared his response on social media, claiming that he had been silenced but not defeated. He said his silence should not be mistaken for weakness and hinted that he would respond strongly at the appropriate time.
The episode has sparked fresh political debate in Punjab, with discussions ranging from party discipline to possible future political developments involving the young AAP leader.
