Using the cinematic line, “Main ghayal hoon, tabhi ghatak hoon,” Chadha released a video statement alleging a “planned campaign” of coordinated character assassination aimed at silencing him.
In a dramatic escalation of internal rift within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has launched a scathing counter-attack against his own party leadership following his removal as Deputy Leader in the Upper House.
Using the cinematic line, “Main ghayal hoon, tabhi ghatak hoon” (I am wounded, therefore I am lethal), Chadha released a video statement alleging a “planned campaign” of coordinated character assassination aimed at silencing him.
Chadha on April 2 was replaced by MP Ashok Mittal was followed by a series of accusations from AAP leadership. Chadha claimed that the similarity in the language used by various party members against him was no coincidence.
“I initially chose to stay silent, but repeated false claims can often be mistaken for the truth,” Chadha stated, explaining his decision to go public.
He firmly rejected the party’s narrative that he was a “disruptive” or “inactive” member, asserting that his role in Parliament is to speak for the people rather than engage in performative chaos. “I am not there to shout, break mics, or create chaos,” he added.
The AAP leadership had previously leveled several specific charges against Chadha, which he addressed point-by-point:
- Opposition Walkouts: AAP accused him of failing to support joint opposition protests. Chadha countered by challenging the party to check CCTV footage from Parliament to verify his participation.
- Impeachment Motion: Regarding the claim that he refused to sign an impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner, Chadha clarified that only a limited number of signatures were required and not all party MPs were tasked with signing it.
- Silence on Public Issues: Refuting claims that he avoided sensitive topics out of fear, Chadha pointed to his record of speaking on the Punjab water crisis, Delhi pollution, taxation, and menstrual health.
Betrayal or Political Victimization?
The friction has also drawn sharp criticism from within the Punjab cabinet. State Finance Minister Harpal Cheema accused Chadha of betraying the people of Punjab who elected him.
Cheema alleged that Chadha remained silent on critical state issues, including:
- Pending Rural Development Fund (RDF) dues.
- GST-related financial losses.
- Relief funds for flood victims.
“He has distanced himself from the party and did not stand with Punjab during difficult times,” Cheema remarked, suggesting Chadha had “compromised” his position.
The fallout reportedly has reached a point where the AAP has officially requested the Rajya Sabha Secretariat not to allocate speaking time to Chadha on the party’s behalf.
Despite the internal demotion, Raghav Chadha remains a Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab with a term lasting until 2028. His recent defiance suggests that the “Super CM” of the past is now preparing for a protracted political battle from within or perhaps outside the party folds.
