What began as a parliamentary intervention on everyday concerns has now placed Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha at the centre of a political debate within his party.
In recent days, Chadha has faced criticism from sections of the party leadership, with some leaders suggesting he focused on “soft” issues instead of larger national concerns. The remarks come amid reports of internal differences following his removal as the party’s deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha.
Here are the 7 everyday issues Raghav Chadha raised in Parliament:
Speaking during the 2026 Budget Session in the Rajya Sabha, Chadha highlighted concerns ranging from high airport prices to prepaid telecom plans, pointing to issues that affect daily life for many citizens.
Chadha pointed to the significantly higher cost of food items at airports compared to outside markets, citing the price difference between samosas sold at airports and those available in regular stores. He said this creates disparities, especially for middle-class travellers.
“Airports are public-facing infrastructure, but the prices charged inside often do not reflect that responsibility,” Chadha said in the House, questioning the lack of uniformity in costs.
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He added that the issue goes beyond food, pointing to high charges for excess baggage and overall elevated costs within airport premises.
Prepaid services and accessibility
The MP also raised concerns about telecom services, particularly prepaid mobile recharge plans marketed as monthly but lasting only 28 days.
He described it as a “28-day monthly recharge” issue, noting that users effectively end up paying for 13 recharges in a year.
Chadha further highlighted that many plans offer daily data limits, where unused data expires at the end of the day despite being paid for. He questioned why unused data is not carried forward or refunded.
“This is not an accident. This is policy,” he said.
Legal recognition of paternity leave
Chadha argued that paternity leave should be recognised as a legal right in India, stating that caregiving responsibilities should be shared by both parents.
“A father should not have to choose between caring for his newborn and keeping his job… and a mother should not have to go through childbirth and recovery without her partner’s support,” he said.
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The reality of the gig economy
Raising concerns about gig workers, Chadha said many lack basic protections such as fair wages, regulated working hours and social security. He called for measures to ensure better safeguards for workers in the growing gig economy.
Menstrual health of schoolgirls
Chadha also highlighted the issue of menstrual health, pointing to the lack of basic facilities such as sanitary products, water, disposal systems and privacy in schools.
“When a girl misses school because there is no pad, no water, no bin and no privacy, that is not her personal problem,” he said, calling for systemic reforms.
“Menstrual health is not a favour… it is a matter of health, education, equality and dignity,” he added.
