The Punjab government has withdrawn Z-plus security cover from Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, while the Centre has directed Delhi Police to provide him Z-category protection. The change came days after AAP removed Chadha as the party's deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, replacing him with Ashok Mittal. AAP leaders have linked it to rumors of Chadha joining the BJP.
Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha was recently removed as the party's deputy leader and replaced by Ashok Mittal. Sources said the Punjab government withdrew his Z-plus security two days later; it previously included 41 personnel. Following rifts during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and the 2025 Punjab Cricket Association elections, his cover had already been reduced to 21 personnel. He now has five, mandatory for a Punjab Rajya Sabha MP.
The Centre decided to grant Chadha Z-category security on the Intelligence Bureau's recommendation following a security review. Delhi Police has been directed to provide temporary protection until formal arrangements. AAP national media in-charge Anurag Dhanda said, “The Centre granting Chadha Z-category security is not a coincidence but a calculated move.” Party spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar claimed Chadha has met top BJP leaders and is in touch with them.
Chadha released a video accusing party leaders of sidelining him deliberately. In response, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Atishi, and Sanjay Singh charged him with low parliamentary activity, prioritising soft PR, and not joining an opposition walkout during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech. BJP leader Virender Sachdeva remarked that AAP's pattern of using and then sidelining leaders raises questions. Neither Chadha nor the BJP has responded to the speculation.
