Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Sunday defended his record of raising Punjab-related issues, responding to recent criticism from within his party.
Chadha shared a video clip on X from the Rajya Sabha, where he is seen addressing Punjab's concerns, emphasising his commitment to the state.
In his post, he wrote, "To my colleagues in AAP who were forced to issue videos saying that 'Raghav Chadha failed to raise Punjab's issues in Parliament', here is a small trailer... Picture abhi baaki hai. Punjab isn't a talking point for me. It is my home, my duty, my soil, my soul."
Earlier on Saturday, Chadha addressed the allegations directly, saying, "I didn't want to speak up, but if I stayed silent, even a repeatedly told lie would start to seem like the truth. Three allegations. Zero truth."
In previous posts, he responded to three major accusations following his removal as AAP's deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha. In a video message, Chadha alleged a "scripted campaign" against him, stating, "The same questions and the same allegations against me — this is no coincidence but a coordinated attack."
also rejected claims that he failed to support the Opposition during walkouts, calling them "a white lie" and adding, "There are CCTVs all around Parliament. Anyone can check them to get their answer."
The dispute highlights rising tensions within the Aam Aadmi Party, as Chadha seeks to defend his record while the party accuses him of neglecting parliamentary responsibilities. He reiterated that his focus remains on Punjab and its people and that he has consistently raised the state's concerns in the Rajya Sabha.
A political storm appears to be brewing within the party, with senior leaders openly questioning Chadha's recent actions and his alignment with AAP's political stand.
The controversy escalated after AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that Chadha had quietly removed several of his old posts critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP. Sharing screenshots on X, Bharadwaj claimed that a detailed search of Chadha's timeline no longer showed such criticism.
According to Bharadwaj, the absence of past remarks is not incidental but suggests a deliberate attempt to reshape Chadha's public persona.
The timing of the allegations has intensified speculation, coming just days after AAP replaced Chadha as its deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha with Ashok Mittal. The move drew widespread attention and has become a focal point in the ongoing dispute.
Chadha had earlier expressed surprise at his removal, stating that he had been actively raising public issues, including concerns about taxation and high food prices at airports. However, AAP leaders countered that such issues do not address broader national concerns.
Party leaders question commitment
Voices within the party have grown sharper, with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann suggesting that Chadha may not have fully adhered to the party's collective decisions. He emphasised that unity in Opposition strategy, including coordinated walkouts in Parliament, is essential.
Bharadwaj also criticised Chadha, accusing him of avoiding strong positions against the Centre, further fuelling perceptions of an internal divide.
Meanwhile, senior leader Atishi hinted at possible external political pressures, alleging that the BJP often attempts to bring Opposition leaders into its fold. While she did not make any direct claim, her remarks added another layer to the controversy.
Responding firmly, Chadha denied all allegations and defended his conduct in Parliament. He maintained that he has consistently stood with the Opposition and challenged his critics to provide evidence.
On the issue of not signing the motion to impeach the Chief Election Commissioner, Chadha clarified that only a limited number of signatures were required and that several other MPs from his party had also not signed.
Striking a defiant tone, he described himself as a "wounded tiger", signalling that he is prepared to take on his critics as the situation unfolds.
Amid escalating tensions, party chief Arvind Kejriwal has not made any public statement, leaving several questions unanswered as the rift within AAP continues to deepen.
