NEW DELHI, APRIL 3 — The Aam Aadmi Party has challenged Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha to explain his prolonged hesitation to speak against the Union Government, characterizing his recent removal from a leadership role as a response to his violation of party whips.
In a series of statements released Friday, AAP officials maintained that Chadha has failed to utilize his limited parliamentary time to address serious national concerns, such as electoral integrity and rising fuel costs. Delhi State President Saurabh Bharadwaj stated that the party has observed a pattern where Chadha avoids direct confrontation with the Prime Minister or the BJP.
“For a long time, I have seen that you have not raised a single issue in the House where questions were asked of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Bharadwaj affirmed. He noted that while other members face social media bans and legal challenges for questioning the government, Chadha has opted for “soft PR” and irrelevant topics like airport canteen prices.
The party specifically cited Chadha’s refusal to join other opposition parties in a motion against the Chief Election Commissioner. National Media In-Charge Anurag Dhanda stated that this reluctance to act against the CEC, especially amid concerns over voting rights in West Bengal, indicated a shift in the MP’s political courage.
“When a proposal came in the House against the CEC, he refused to sign it,” Dhanda declared. He stated that remaining seated during party walkouts appeared to be an attempt to “mark attendance” for the central leadership rather than standing with the party.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann maintained that the party functions as a collective unit and that leadership roles are not permanent. He asserted that the transition was a routine matter, similar to previous changes in the party’s parliamentary board.
Atishi added that Chadha’s silence on the LPG crisis was a betrayal of the common citizens he represents. She stated that while families struggle with the cost of living, Chadha remained quiet in the House, raising questions about whether he is more concerned with his own safety than his constitutional duties. “We are not afraid of the BJP, Narendra Modi, their agencies, or jail,” Atishi affirmed, asserting that the party would remain steadfast despite Chadha’s current stance.
