AAP Criticises Raghav Chadha For Skipping Key Issues, Engaging In ‘Soft PR’ In Parliament

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday publicly criticised its Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, accusing him of avoiding key political issues in Parliament and engaging in what party leaders described as “soft public relations.” The sharp remarks signal growing internal tensions within the party over its parliamentary strategy and messaging.

The criticism comes in response to Chadha’s recent claim that he had been sidelined by his own party. In a video message, Chadha said he had been “silenced, not defeated,” alleging that his participation in parliamentary proceedings had been restricted. He defended his record, stating that he consistently raised issues affecting ordinary citizens and questioned whether highlighting such concerns was being treated as wrongdoing within the party.

Delhi AAP President Saurabh Bharadwaj countered these claims, asserting that Chadha had repeatedly failed to follow the party’s line in Parliament. He alleged that Chadha did not participate in opposition walkouts on crucial issues and neglected matters concerning Punjab, the state he represents in the Rajya Sabha. Bharadwaj also criticised Chadha for allegedly prioritising less significant topics over major political concerns, suggesting that such an approach did not align with the party’s broader objectives.

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Adding to the criticism, AAP’s national media in-charge Anurag Dhanda questioned Chadha’s willingness to take a firm stand against the central government. He cited instances where Chadha allegedly declined to support opposition initiatives, including a proposal related to the Chief Election Commissioner. Dhanda argued that limited parliamentary speaking time should be used to address pressing national issues rather than what he described as trivial matters.

Chadha, however, maintained that his interventions in Parliament were aimed at addressing real concerns of the public, including everyday issues that impact citizens. He emphasised that raising such topics should not be viewed as a deviation from the party’s mission, and reiterated his commitment to speaking on behalf of the “aam aadmi.”

The controversy follows a formal move by the AAP to remove Chadha as its deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha. In a letter to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, the party proposed Punjab MP Ashok Mittal as his replacement, further underscoring the internal rift and raising questions about cohesion within the party’s parliamentary leadership.

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