NEW DELHI — In a dramatic escalation of internal friction within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), MP Raghav Chadha released a video message on Friday, April 3, 2026, marking his first public reaction since being removed as the party’s deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha. Chadha, once considered a core strategist for the party, struck a defiant tone, questioning if his advocacy for public interest issues had become a liability for his own leadership.
- The Video Message: “Is it a Crime to Speak?”
In the clip posted to X (formerly Twitter), Chadha revealed that the AAP leadership has reportedly requested the Rajya Sabha Secretariat to restrict or “put a stop” to his scheduled addresses in the House.
The Core Question: “Whenever I get the chance to speak in Parliament, I raise public’s issues… but is it a crime or a mistake to do so? Have I done something wrong?”
The “Silence” Warning: Closing the message with a stern note to his detractors, Chadha stated, “Don’t mistake my silence for my defeat.”
- Issues That Defined His Tenure
Chadha highlighted several specific interventions he made in the Rajya Sabha which he believes may have contributed to the friction:
Middle-Class Taxes: Frequent critiques of the current tax structure impacting salaried professionals.
Gig Economy: Raising the plight of delivery partners and platform workers regarding lack of social security.
Consumer Rights: Questioning high food prices at airports and the complexities of prepaid mobile plans.
Public Interest: He wondered why anyone, especially within his party, would want to silence a voice raking up “important issues for the common man.”
- Context: The Widening Rift
The decision to drop Chadha as Deputy Leader comes during the ongoing Budget Session of 2026. While the party has officially cited “organisational changes,” political analysts point to a shifting power dynamic within AAP’s top brass.
The Timeline: The removal follows a period where Chadha was notably less visible in party briefings, leading to intense speculation about his standing with the high command.
Support Base: Despite the party’s move, Chadha expressed deep gratitude in his video for the “overwhelming support” he has received from the public over the last 48 hours.
Raghav Chadha’s Parliamentary Track Record (2025-2026)
| Issue Category | Key Intervention | Status |
| Aviation | Challenged “exorbitant” food & water prices at Indian airports. | Pending Civil Aviation Review |
| Telecom | Demanded transparency in 28-day vs. 30-day “prepaid” cycles. | Trai Consultation Ongoing |
| Labour | Advocated for a “Gig Workers’ Bill of Rights.” | Mentioned in Committee Reports |
| Economy | Criticized the lack of tax slabs adjustments for the middle class. | Budget Session Debate |
What Happens Next?
The Rajya Sabha Secretariat has yet to officially comment on the request to limit Chadha’s speaking time. Traditionally, the “whip” of a party decides who speaks on behalf of the group, meaning Chadha may find his parliamentary opportunities severely curtailed if the party leadership remains firm.