In a significant development, the Punjab government has reportedly withdrawn the Z+ security cover of Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha. The move has triggered fresh political debate amid an ongoing internal rift. It is also reported that now Chadha is being given security cover by the Delhi Police until formal cover is given by the Centre. The withdrawal happened hours after the Enforcement Directorate raid at another AAP MP, Ashok Mittal’s residence.
Internal AAP Rift deepened
Raghav Chadha was recently removed as AAP’s Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha and was replaced by Ashok Mittal. The party also requested not to give him time to speak in the Parliament. Punjab AAP leaders, including CM Bhagwant Mann, have publicly criticized him, accusing him of being “compromised,” failing to raise Punjab-specific issues (like pending RDF dues, GST compensation, and flood relief) in Parliament, and deviating from the party line.
Chadha declined allegations
Raghav Chadha, on the other hand, declined allegations by party members. In several video posts, Raghav Chadha shared that he always raised concerns. He asserted that his role in parliament is to raise issues important for the common man rather than creating disruptions.
ED Raids Ashok Mittal’s residence
The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday carried out raids at multiple premises linked to Ashok Mittal, a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament from Punjab and a prominent educationist. The searches were conducted by teams that arrived from Delhi and targeted locations associated with the Lovely Group in Jalandhar and Phagwara. Officials confirmed that the investigation is being undertaken in connection with alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, though detailed findings are yet to be made public as the investigation is ongoing.