The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has written to the Rajya Sabha secretariat, seeking the removal of Raghav Chadha as the deputy leader of the party in the Upper House, according to The Times of India.
In the communication conveyed by AAP, it has also been requested by the party that Raghav Chadha should no longer be allotted speaking time in the House, as per reports.
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The new deputy leader
Ashok Kumar Mittal is the founder of Punjab’s Lovely Professional University (LPU). He is an academic-turned-politician who joined active politics in 2022, informed TOI.
As per party sources, Mittal, who in a Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab, is set to replace Raghav Chadha.
Mittal describes leadership positions as a 'continuous process'
Ashok Kumar Mittal reportedly said that changes in leadership roles within a party are a “continuous process”.
He was quoted as saying by TOI, "Such changes in leadership positions are a continuous process. Earlier, ND Gupta ji was Deputy Leader, then Raghav ji took over, and now I have been given the responsibility. Tomorrow, someone else may get the opportunity. The party wants every MP and leader to learn and gain experience in different roles, and this responsibility has been given to me to develop administrative and political skills."
Mittal negates rumours and speculations
Ashok Mittal nullified all rumours when asked about the speculation about Raghav Chadha leaving the party.
He said, “These are just rumours; such things keep circulating and should not be given importance."
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AAP currently has 10 members in the Rajya Sabha, including seven from Punjab and three from Delhi.
Mittal is also the founder of one of the largest private universities in India, and the first in Punjab. He has also been described by the AAP as a noted academician and social activist.
