Additionally, the party has reportedly requested the Secretariat not to allocate speaking time to the outgoing deputy leader, indicating a clear and immediate transition
Raghav Chadha. Pic/PTI
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has appointed Ashok Kumar Mittal as its new Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha, replacing Raghav Chadha in a significant organisational reshuffle. The move signals a shift in the party’s parliamentary strategy, particularly with a stronger focus on its Punjab leadership, reported news agency IANS.
Party communicates change to Rajya Sabha secretariat
Sources confirmed that the party, led by Arvind Kejriwal, has formally written to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat to implement the leadership change in the Upper House. The communication seeks recognition of Ashok Mittal as the new Deputy Leader, effectively ending Raghav Chadha’s tenure in the role, reported IANS.
Additionally, the party has reportedly requested the Secretariat not to allocate speaking time to the outgoing deputy leader, indicating a clear and immediate transition.
Sanjay Singh continues as leader in Upper House
Sanjay Singh will continue as the party’s leader in the Rajya Sabha and also serves as the chairperson of its parliamentary party. The leadership restructuring appears aimed at recalibrating responsibilities within the party’s Upper House representation, reported IANS.
Punjab representation gains prominence
The decision to elevate Ashok Mittal, a Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab, underscores the growing importance of the state within AAP’s national political framework. Punjab remains the only state where the party currently holds power, and its representation in the Rajya Sabha is substantial, reported IANS.
Out of AAP’s 10 members in the Upper House, seven are from Punjab, including Raghav Chadha, Rajinder Gupta, Ashok Kumar Mittal, Sandeep Kumar Pathak, Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Harbhajan Singh and Sant Balbir Singh. The remaining MPs from Delhi are Swati Maliwal, Narain Dass Gupta and Sanjay Singh.
Signs of internal strain surface
Raghav Chadha’s removal comes amid reports of strained relations between the MP and the party leadership. While neither side has publicly acknowledged any discord, political circles have been abuzz with speculation regarding internal differences.
Despite the change, Chadha has remained active in raising public interest issues in Parliament over the past several months. However, the leadership reshuffle suggests a possible recalibration of roles within the party.
Speculation over political realignment
The development has also fuelled speculation about potential shifts in political alignments ahead of upcoming Assembly elections in Punjab. Observers believe the leadership change could be part of a broader strategy to consolidate the party’s base in the state.
Previous internal discord adds context
The reshuffle follows earlier tensions within the party involving Swati Maliwal, who had publicly expressed dissatisfaction after a dispute with the leadership. Despite the episode, she continues to serve as a Rajya Sabha MP.
Strategic reset ahead of key political battles
With this move, AAP appears to be undertaking a strategic reset within its parliamentary ranks. By promoting a Punjab-based leader to a key position in the Rajya Sabha, the party is signalling its intent to strengthen its political footing in the state while streamlining leadership dynamics at the national level.
(With inputs from IANS)
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