New Delhi: AAP MP Raghav Chadha broke his silence on Friday, delivering a defiant reaction after his party replaced him with Ashok Mittal as Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha. Proclaiming he is “silenced, but not defeated,” Chadha took to social media and video to challenge the party’s decision.
Key Highlights of Chadha’s Response
-
The Message: On X (formerly Twitter), Chadha wrote: “Khamosh Karwaya Gaya Hun, Hara Nahi Hun” (I have been silenced; I have not been defeated).
-
The Defense: Chadha questioned why the party seeks to limit his voice, asking, “Is speaking on public issues a crime?”
-
The Advocacy: He pointed to his record of raising “overlooked” issues, such as:
-
Rising airport food prices and food adulteration.
-
Tax burdens on the middle class and high toll charges.
-
Exploitative telecom recharge practices.
-
The plight of delivery workers.
-
Allegations Against Party Leadership
Chadha explicitly alleged that AAP leadership contacted the Rajya Sabha Secretariat to block him from speaking.
“AAP has said that Raghav Chadha should not be given an opportunity to speak. Why should anyone stop me from speaking in Parliament?”
He argued that his speeches benefit the common man and questioned what loss the party suffers by allowing him to advocate for the public. He concluded his message with a warning: “Do not mistake my silence for defeat. I am like a river that can turn into a flood when the time comes.”
The Political Shift
The Arvind Kejriwal-led party initiated this change on Thursday by sending a formal letter to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat. While Sanjay Singh remains the party leader in the Upper House, the appointment of Ashok Mittal effectively axes Chadha from his leadership role.
The Context: Strained Ties
This move follows months of “uneasy calm” between Chadha and AAP leadership. While both sides have remained officially tight-lipped, rumors suggest the MP may be considering switching political loyalties ahead of the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections.
Currently, AAP holds ten seats in the Rajya Sabha, drawing heavily from Punjab—the only state where the party maintains a majority government.
