
Raghav Chadha has found public support after being removed as the Aam Aadmi Party’s deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha. Among those backing him is actor Disha Patani sister Khushboo Patani, who praised his leadership and even suggested he consider forming his own political party.
The development comes shortly after the Aam Aadmi Party decided to replace Chadha with MP Ashok Mittal in the Upper House as part of what party sources described as an internal restructuring.
Following the move, Chadha shared a video message on social media, questioning the decision and reaffirming his commitment to raising public issues in Parliament.
“I would like to tell those who have snatched away my right to speak in Parliament to not take my silence for defeat. I am a river that can transform into a flood when the time comes,” he said.
He captioned the post: “Silenced, not defeated.”
The statement quickly gained traction online, with several users expressing support for the young leader, particularly for his work on issues affecting everyday citizens.
Among the notable reactions was that of Khushboo Patani, sister of actor Disha Patani. Commenting on Chadha’s post, she described him as a “well-educated and composed leader” and said the country needs politicians like him.
She further expressed hope that Chadha would eventually form his own political party, adding that many people would be willing to support such an initiative.
Her comment stood out amid a flood of online reactions, reflecting how political developments are increasingly intersecting with public and celebrity voices on social media.
According to reports, the AAP formally communicated its decision to the Rajya Sabha secretariat, naming Ashok Mittal as the new deputy leader in place of Chadha.
The move comes amid Chadha’s relatively low public visibility in recent months. During the arrest of party chief Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case in March 2024, Chadha was abroad for medical treatment and remained largely absent during a critical phase for the party.
During that period, several senior leaders, including Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, were also in jail, placing the party under significant pressure.
Party insiders have described the leadership change as part of internal restructuring. However, leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party have alleged that Chadha’s removal reflects growing distance between him and Kejriwal.
Despite his recent low profile within the party, Chadha has remained active on certain public issues. He notably campaigned against high food prices at airports, leading to the introduction of affordable options such as ₹20 samosas and ₹10 tea under the ‘Udaan Yatri Cafes’ initiative.
Supporters argue that such efforts highlight his focus on everyday concerns, which has helped him build a distinct political identity.
Chadha’s removal and the subsequent reactions raise broader questions about internal dynamics within AAP. While leadership reshuffles are not uncommon in political parties, public messaging around such decisions often shapes perception.
Anjali Thakur is a Senior Assistant Editor with Mint, reporting on trending news, entertainment and health, with a focus on stories driving digital conversations. Her work involves spotting early signals across news cycles and social media, sharpening stories for SEO and Google Discover, and mentoring young editors in digital-first newsroom practices. She is known for turning fast-moving developments—whether news-driven or culture-led—into clear, tightly edited journalism without compromising editorial rigour.<br><br> Before joining Mint, she was Deputy News Editor at NDTV.com, where she led the Trending section and covered viral news, breaking developments and human-interest stories. She has also worked as Chief Sub-Editor at India.com (Zee Media) and as Senior Correspondent with Exchange4media and Hindustan Times’ HT City, reporting on media, advertising, entertainment, health, lifestyle and popular culture.<br><br> Anjali holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miranda House, and is currently pursuing an MBA, strengthening her understanding of business strategy and digital media economics. Her writing balances newsroom discipline with a clear instinct for what resonates with readers.
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