Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann has defended AAP’s move to remove Raghav Chadha as Rajya Sabha deputy leader, alleging he went against the party line, as internal tensions escalate within the party leadership.
Bhagwant Mann Justifies Action Against Raghav Chadha
New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday found itself amid internal tensions after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann defended the removal of Raghav Chadha as the party’s deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha.
Calling the decision part of “regular party functioning,” Mann asserted that disciplinary action is inevitable for members who deviate from the party’s official stand.
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Mann stressed that adherence to the party whip is essential in parliamentary proceedings. He said that any member who goes against the party’s position risks disciplinary action, adding that such decisions are routinely taken within political parties.
“This is regular party functioning. Those who break party lines should face action,” Mann stated, underlining the importance of unity in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
In a sharp remark, Mann described Chadha as “compromised,” alleging that he had not consistently aligned with the party’s stance on key national and regional issues. He indicated that the party expects its leaders to raise concerns such as governance, farmers’ issues, and federal matters rather than trivial topics.
Mann also suggested that Chadha’s recent conduct raised questions about his priorities, though he refrained from commenting directly on Chadha’s public statements.
The development comes a day after Chadha reacted to his removal, stating that he had been “silenced, not defeated.” His response has added to speculation of internal differences within the party.
Raghav Chadha breaks silence after removal as Rajya Sabha Deputy leader; Watch video
Delhi AAP chief Saurabh Bharadwaj also criticised Chadha, accusing him of failing to actively participate in opposition protests and not raising key issues concerning Punjab in Parliament.
Meanwhile, AAP national media in-charge Anurag Dhanda questioned Chadha’s reluctance to confront the central government on significant matters, suggesting that parliamentary opportunities should be used to address pressing public concerns.
The episode highlights emerging strains within AAP’s leadership, even as the party maintains that organisational reshuffles are routine. The controversy is likely to fuel further political debate in the coming days.
