NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi Party on Friday launched a sharp attack on its Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha after he broke his silence over his removal as the party’s deputy leader in the Upper House, accusing him of hesitating to take on the BJP and raising “soft” issues instead of confronting the government.AAP MLA Saurabh Bharadwaj, in a video message, directly criticised Chadha’s recent stance and conduct, saying, “Raghav bhai, I just watched your video. All of us are soldiers of Arvind Kejriwal ji, and we have learned only one thing: the one who gets scared is as good as finished. We were meant to raise people’s issues by looking the government in the eye.”He further accused Chadha of avoiding confrontation with the Centre and remaining silent on key issues, adding that those questioning the government are being suppressed. “In the past few days, we have seen that whoever raises serious issues against the government, questions it, or speaks for the people, is being treated like in a dictatorship. They are being banned across social media, whether it is Twitter, Facebook or YouTube. FIRs are being filed and cases are being registered.”Bharadwaj also questioned Chadha’s role in Parliament and his absence on major political issues. “Whenever there is an issue and the opposition walks out, you do not join the walkout. For the past several years, I have not seen you raise any issue in Parliament where you questioned the Prime Minister or the BJP government. How can politics of fear work like this?”He added that Chadha had not spoken on issues related to Punjab, despite being elected from the state, and criticised his absence during key moments when party leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, were facing legal troubles. “When many of our leaders were in jail and Arvind Kejriwal ji, as chief minister, was arrested in a false case, you were not even in the country at that time.”AAP’s media in-charge Anurag Dhanda echoed similar sentiments in a post on X, stating: “We are Kejriwal’s soldiers. Fearlessness is our first mark of identity. If someone fears Modi, will they fight for the country?” He added, “For the past few years, you’ve grown afraid, Raghav. You hesitate to speak against Modi. You hesitate to speak on the country’s real issues.”The sharp response from the party came hours after Chadha publicly reacted to his removal and said he had been sidelined. “Silenced, not defeated. My message to the ‘aam aadmi’: Khamosh Karwaya Gaya Hun, Hara Nahi Hun. ‘Aam Aadmi Ko Mera Sandesh,” he wrote on X.In a video message, Chadha questioned the party’s decision and said he had consistently raised issues concerning ordinary citizens in Parliament. “Whenever I get a chance to speak in Parliament, I raise issues related to the people. I bring up topics that are generally not discussed. Is speaking on public issues a crime? Have I committed any mistake or done anything wrong?” he asked.He further alleged that the party had written to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat to prevent him from speaking. “AAP has said that Raghav Chadha should not be given an opportunity to speak. Why should anyone stop me from speaking in Parliament?” he said.Listing issues he has raised, Chadha said he had spoken about concerns such as delivery workers’ conditions, high food prices at airports, food adulteration, toll charges, taxation on the middle class and telecom recharge practices. “I have raised these issues, and the common people have benefited from them. What loss does AAP suffer because of this? Why should anyone stop me from speaking?” he added.Thanking the public for their support, he said, “You have given me immense love. I thank you for supporting and encouraging me. Keep supporting me – I am from you, and I am for you.”He concluded with a remark, “Do not mistake my silence for defeat. I am like a river that can turn into a flood when the time comes. Jai Hind.”The party on Thursday replaced Chadha with Punjab-based MP Ashok Mittal as deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, formalising the change through communication with the Secretariat. Sanjay Singh continues as the party’s leader in the Upper House.The development comes amid indications of strained ties between Chadha and the party leadership, with speculation also emerging about his future political course, particularly ahead of the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections.
