Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday described the removal of Raghav Chadha from the position of AAP’s deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha as a routine matter of party functioning, while stressing that internal discipline is uncompromisable.
Attempting to minimize the significance of the move, Mann said that leadership positions in Parliament frequently change and should not be regarded as unusual.In Parliament, the positions of leader and deputy leader change from time to time. When I was first elected, there were four of us, and Dr. Gandhi ji was selected as the parliamentary leader. Later, I also became the leader of the parliamentary party. These are internal party decisions—such small changes continue to happen," Mann said.
I am here because of the party. Such decisions are made within the party. Even if someone like (Narendra) Modi ji says something, or the opposition says something, we take our own decisions. All parties and all opposition members come together and decide accordingly," the AAP leader said, adding, "Those who defy party lines and go against the party whip should face action."
During the press conference, when a journalist asked whether he believed Raghav Chadha was "compromised," Mann answered affirmatively with a single word: "yes."
He further stated that it was Chadha’s decision whether to respond in public, remarking, “What statement he chooses to make or not make is entirely his choice.” The Punjab Chief Minister emphasized that the party functions as a collective.
AAP hits back at Chadha
Earlier in the day, AAP leader Anurag Dhanda criticised Chadha over his comments on the removal, accusing him of having been restrained in recent years.
In a post on X, Dhanda claimed that Chadha seemed “afraid” and reluctant to criticise Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He further remarked that, given the limited speaking time in Parliament, lawmakers should focus on major national concerns instead of issues such as “making samosas cheaper at the airport.”
Chadha questions curbs on his speech
Responding firmly, Chadha opposed the decision and demanded to know why he was supposedly being barred from speaking in Parliament.
Whenever I have the opportunity to speak in Parliament, I bring up public concerns. In fact, I often address matters that are not typically discussed there. But is it a crime to highlight public issues? Have I committed any offense? Have I made a mistake? Have I done anything wrong?" he said.
He went on to allege that the party had officially informed the Rajya Sabha Secretariat to limit his participation. “AAP has told the Rajya Sabha Secretariat that Raghav Chadha should be barred from speaking in Parliament. Yes, AAP has notified Parliament that Raghav Chadha should not be given an opportunity to speak there,” Chadha said.
Those who stripped me of my right to speak in Parliament today have tried to silence me. I have a message for them as well: do not mistake my silence for defeat. Do not mistake my silence for defeat. I am like a river that swells into a flood when the moment arrives," Raghav Chadha said.