AAP accuses Chadha of ignoring Punjab’s issues; allegations scripted: MP

AAP accuses Raghav Chadha of neglecting Punjab's issues in Parliament, sparking internal conflict and claims of false allegations.

The tussle between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chadha grew more heated on Saturday, with party leaders levelling fresh accusations — that he failed to raise key issues concerning Punjab in Parliament — following his removal as Rajya Sabha deputy leader.

Mr. Chadha dubbed the allegation “false” and part of a “coordinated campaign”. The party removed him as the deputy leader of AAP in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, and since Friday, the MP has locked horns with his own party.

In a video posted on X on Saturday, Mr. Chadha termed AAP’s claims that he did not join Opposition walkouts in Parliament a “blatant lie” and challenged the party to prove them. He described the allegations as “scripted”.

Mr. Chadha said another allegation by AAP was that he refused to sign the impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner. “Another blatant lie. No Aam Aadmi Party leader asked me to sign this motion, neither formally nor informally,” the MP said.

“I did not go to Parliament to create noise, shout, break the microphone, or abuse. I went there to raise public issues,” Mr. Chadha said, adding that he aimed to create impact, not ruckus.

He said he had raised a range of public issues in Parliament. “I spoke about everything from GST to income tax, raised the issue of Punjab’s water to Delhi’s air quality, from the condition of our government schools to strengthening public health care institutions. You can check my track record in Parliament,” he said.