Days after a verbal spat between Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership and its Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha over his removal as deputy leader in the Upper House, the Punjab Government has withdrawn his Z-plus security cover, sources have confirmed.
The development comes in the wake of internal tensions within AAP, which on April 2 replaced Chadha with MP Ashok Mittal as deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha. Reacting to his removal, Chadha had remarked that he had been “silenced, not defeated,” drawing sharp criticism from the party, which accused him of indulging in “soft PR” and not strongly opposing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre in Parliament.
Sources in Delhi indicated that Chadha may be provided security cover by the Central government following the withdrawal by Punjab authorities.
The move has triggered political reactions, with opposition parties targeting the AAP government. Punjab Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa alleged a tacit understanding between the BJP and AAP, accusing both of misusing agencies for political purposes. He claimed that such actions expose a “convenient nexus” between the two parties.
Meanwhile, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia criticised the decision, alleging that the Punjab Police had been politicised by a government that claims to represent common citizens.
The withdrawal of Z-plus security — one of the highest levels of protection in India — has added a new dimension to the ongoing political friction, raising questions about security decisions amid party conflicts.
