Union Minister Bittu Launches Scathing Attack on AAP Following Raghav Chadha's Removal
NEW DELHI: In a sharp escalation of political tensions, Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu launched a fierce critique of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) after its decision to remove Raghav Chadha as deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha. Bittu simultaneously dismissed widespread speculation about Chadha potentially joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), framing the development as evidence of deep internal discord within AAP.
Bittu Alleges Chadha's 'ATM Role' for AAP Has Ended
Characterizing the removal as a sign of significant internal strife, Bittu alleged that Chadha's function as a financial resource for the party had concluded. "He used to raise funds for Arvind Kejriwal, but now he has found a 'bank' instead," Bittu stated to the media, adding that he had previously cautioned Chadha about such eventualities. The remarks emerged amidst a rapidly intensifying public fallout between Chadha and the AAP leadership, occurring just days after AAP formally requested the Rajya Sabha secretariat to strip Chadha of his deputy leader position and restrict his speaking privileges in the House.
Criticism of AAP's 'Use and Throw' Functioning
Bittu further targeted AAP's operational style, describing it as a "use and throw" organization. He issued a warning to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, suggesting he could encounter a similar fate if he ceases to align with Kejriwal's directives. "It is essentially a one-man show. Once a person's utility ends, they are sidelined," the Union Minister asserted. Additionally, Bittu criticized Chadha's parliamentary contributions, accusing him of focusing on trivial matters like "samosas and chutney" rather than addressing Punjab's fundamental concerns, and alleged that the party often prioritizes external interests over those of the state.
How the Rift Between Chadha and AAP Unfolded
The tensions between Raghav Chadha and the AAP leadership had been simmering for several months, with the Member of Parliament gradually being marginalized from organizational duties and political campaigns. The situation reached a critical point on April 2, when the party formally communicated with the Rajya Sabha secretariat, seeking Chadha's removal as deputy leader and requesting that he not be allocated speaking time from the party's quota.
A day later, on April 3, Chadha released a video defending his parliamentary record, which provoked a strong backlash from senior party figures. Bhagwant Mann, alongside other AAP leaders, accused Chadha of deviating from the party line, neglecting key responsibilities such as signing a petition against the Chief Election Commissioner, and concentrating on less critical issues during parliamentary sessions. Mann even hinted that Chadha might be "compromised" when questioned directly. This public exchange highlighted a rare and visible breakdown in relations, with accusations of "soft PR" and insufficient aggression against the central government.
Chadha's Strong Rebuttal: 'Punjab is My Soul'
Amid the escalating controversy, Chadha issued a fresh statement and video message on Sunday, vigorously countering the allegations. "Punjab is not a talking point for me. It is my commitment. It is my soul," he declared, asserting that he had consistently raised pivotal state issues in Parliament. These included pending funds, farmers' concerns, groundwater depletion, and border security.
Chadha maintained that he had adhered to party directives, participated in walkouts when necessary, and had not received instructions to sign certain petitions cited by his critics. Labeling the charges as "baseless and maliciously motivated," Chadha emphasized his focus on substantive parliamentary interventions rather than mere disruption. The intensifying war of words has now cast significant uncertainty over Chadha's future role within AAP, marking a dramatic reversal for a leader once regarded as one of Arvind Kejriwal's closest confidants and a key strategist in the party's expansion beyond Delhi.
