Is Raghav Chadha joining BJP?; as he gets central Z plus security cover after Punjab withdraws Z+ protection

Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has reportedly been provided central security cover after the Punjab government withdrew his Z+ category security, according to sources cited by CNN-News18. The development has triggered political attention, coming at a time when the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) itself has publicly questioned Chadha's performance as a representative of Punjab in Parliament.

While official details of the central security arrangement have not been disclosed, the timing of the move has added to the political buzz surrounding the senior AAP leader.

AAP questions Chadha's parliamentary performance

In an unusual internal criticism, AAP leaders in Punjab have accused Chadha of not actively raising key issues concerning the state in the Rajya Sabha. In a joint statement, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, state AAP president Aman Arora, and party leader Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said his "inaction" went against the party's expectations.

Cheema stated that Chadha, who was elected to the Upper House by Punjab MLAs, was expected to strongly represent the state's interests at the national level but had allegedly not raised "even a single sensitive issue" related to Punjab in Parliament.

Financial issues cited by Punjab AAP leadership

The party leadership pointed to several pending financial concerns that, according to them, should have been highlighted in Parliament. These include:

• Around ₹8,500 crore in pending Rural Development Fund (RDF) dues
• GST-related losses estimated at nearly ₹60,000 crore
• Funding issues linked to changes in GST compensation mechanisms
• Concerns regarding National Health Mission allocations
• Unreleased ₹1,600 crore in flood relief assistance announced by the Prime Minister

AAP leaders said these issues directly impact Punjab's finances and public welfare, and expected stronger representation in Parliament.

Political friction within AAP

Punjab AAP leaders said raising such issues consistently is a core principle of the party and that failure to do so was "disappointing." They also pointed to public resentment among flood-affected communities over delayed compensation and lack of parliamentary discussion on relief measures.

The developments highlight growing internal friction within the party over legislative representation and accountability, even as the security-related decision around Chadha adds another layer of political significance to the matter.