AAP hits back at Raghav Chadha, accuses him of ‘soft PR’ after Rajya Sabha ouster

New Delhi, April 3: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) launched a sharp attack on its Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, accusing him of indulging in “soft PR” and avoiding key political issues in Parliament, a day after he was removed as the party’s Deputy Leader in the Upper House.

Delhi AAP president Saurabh Bharadwaj on Friday alleged that Chadha failed to adhere to the party’s political line on several occasions and distanced himself from crucial opposition actions.

“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 in a video posted on a social media platform.

He further accused Chadha of skipping opposition walkouts in Parliament and not raising state-specific concerns.

“Whenever the Opposition staged a walkout in Parliament, you did not participate. You did not raise issues concerning Punjab, from where you are elected, and you hid in a foreign country when Arvind Kejriwal was arrested,” he said.

AAP national media in-charge Anurag Dhanda also criticised Chadha, questioning his political commitment and willingness to confront the Centre.

“In Parliament, we get limited time to speak, and it can be used either to fight for the nation or discuss trivial matters like cheaper samosas at airport canteens,” Dhanda said, adding that Chadha had been hesitant to take up “real issues” over the past few years.

He also alleged that Chadha refrained from signing a proposal against the Chief Election Commissioner and questioned whether someone who “fears” Narendra Modi can effectively fight for the country.

The sharp remarks from the party came hours after Chadha broke his silence over his removal, striking a defiant tone and alleging that he was being deliberately sidelined.

Taking to social media, he said, “Silenced, not defeated.” Addressing the “aam aadmi,” he suggested that his voice had been suppressed but not his resolve.

In a video message, Chadha defended his parliamentary record, stating that he consistently raised issues affecting ordinary citizens.

“Whenever I get a chance to speak in Parliament, I raise issues related to the people… Is speaking on public issues a crime?” he asked.

He further alleged that the party had written to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat to restrict his participation.

“AAP has said that Raghav Chadha should not be given an opportunity to speak. Why should anyone stop me from speaking in Parliament?” he said.

Listing the issues he has highlighted, Chadha said he has spoken on concerns such as delivery workers’ challenges, rising food prices at airports, food adulteration, toll charges, middle-class taxation, and telecom recharge practices.

“I have raised these issues, and the common people have benefited… What loss does AAP suffer because of this?” he questioned.

The row follows AAP’s decision to appoint Ashok Mittal as the new Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha, replacing Chadha. The party formally communicated the change to the Secretariat.

AAP currently has 10 members in the Rajya Sabha, with a significant representation from Punjab, the only state where it is in power.

With inputs from agencies