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Raghav Chadha
Raghav Chadha
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Raghav Chadha is an Indian politician and a member of the Aam Aadmi Party, who is serving as a member of parliament in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Indian parliament.[7][8] He was elected to the Rajya Sabha by the Punjab Legislative Assembly in 2022.[9] He served as the former vice chairman of the Delhi Jal Board and a member of the Delhi Legislative Assembly from the Rajendra Nagar constituency from 2020 till 2022.[10] He is also a working chartered accountant.[11]

Key Information

Early life

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Born on 11 November 1988 in New Delhi, Chadha received his school education from Modern School (New Delhi) and graduated from University of Delhi (DU). He then pursued Chartered Accountancy from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. In his early career he worked with accountancy firms including Deloitte and Grant Thornton.[11]

Political career

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Chadha has been a part of the Aam Aadmi Party since its inception.[12] Arvind Kejriwal encouraged him in drafting the Delhi Lokpal Bill in 2012, which was also his first political task.[13] He established himself as the AAP's TV face and also became the youngest national spokesperson of the AAP and one of the youngest across parties.[14]

When AAP won the 2015 Delhi Legislative Assembly election with a majority, Chadha, at the age of 26 was appointed AAP's national treasurer. In April 2018, the then Union Minister of Home Affairs, Rajnath Singh, terminated his appointment as an advisor to Manish Sisodia along with 9 other advisors.[15]

Lok Sabha Election

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In 2019, Chadha contested from the South Delhi Lok Sabha constituency for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. He lost in the elections to the BJP candidate, Ramesh Bidhuri.[16][17] Since the 1980s, South Delhi has been a BJP stronghold and represented by stalwarts like Madan Lal Khurana, Vijay Kumar Malhotra, Sushma Swaraj and Ramesh Bidhuri as well as Balraj Madhok of Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the ideological and political predecessor of BJP.[18]

In 2020, as a leader of AAP, Chadha was appointed AAP Punjab co-in-charge for the Punjab Legislative Assembly election in 2022, playing a crucial role in the party's eventual landslide victory, where AAP won 92 out of 117 seats.[19][20]

MLA in Delhi Vidhan Sabha

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In February 2020, Chadha contested from Rajendra Nagar in the 2020 Delhi Legislative Assembly election and won against BJP's candidate RP Singh with a margin of 20,058 votes. He polled a massive 57.06% of the total votes.[21] Following the elections, he was appointed vice-chairman of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and where he focused on providing clean, 24x7 piped water supply and cleaning the Yamuna River, significantly improving Delhi's water management systems.

MP in Rajya Sabha

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On 21 March 2022, it was announced that Chadha along with four others were nominated by AAP for the post of Rajya Sabha members from Punjab for a six-year term starting 2022.[22] No opposition candidate opposed their election.[23] This made him the youngest Indian Rajya Sabha MP ever at the age of 33. He was also appointed as a member of the Parliament's Standing Committee on Finance in Rajya Sabha. The committee oversees the laws and policies drafted by three union ministries and the NITI Aayog.[24]

In April 2022, Chadha said that Bharatya Janata Party (BJP) settled Bangladeshi people and Rohingyas in Delhi and uses them to cause riots.[25]

Credited with the party's success in Punjab, on 18 September 2022, Chadha was appointed co-in-charge for the 2022 Gujarat Legislative Assembly election.[26] He is appointed as a leader of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Rajya Sabha.[27]

In the wake of Sanjay Singh, the floor leader of the AAP in the Rajya Sabha, being unable to discharge his responsibilities while in judicial custody, the party leader and Delhi CM Kejriwal, had requested the chairman of Rajya Sabha to appoint Chadha as AAP's interim leader of the House in early December 2023. However, the request was turned down, as the request reportedly was not in conformity with the applicable legal regime governed by The Leaders and Chief Whips of Recognised Parties and Groups in Parliament (Facilities) Act, 1998 and the Rules made thereunder.[28]

Advisor to the Chief Minister of Punjab

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After AAP's victory in Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann appointed Chadha as the chairman of an advisory panel. A plea challenging his appointment was struck down by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.[29]

Personal life

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Chadha got engaged to actress Parineeti Chopra, on 13 May 2023 at Kapurthala House in New Delhi.[30] They were married on 24 September 2023 at The Leela Palace, Udaipur, Rajasthan in a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony.[31][32] The couple welcomed their first child, a boy, on 19 October 2025,[33] and named their son as 'Neer'.[34]

In 2024, Chadha went to London to undergo a vitrectomy surgery. When asked about his long absence, his party colleague Saurabh Bhardwaj claimed that he could have lost eyesight if not for timely operation.[35]

Controversies

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On 8 August 2023, five MPs claimed that their names were mentioned on the proposal to send the Delhi NCR Amendment Bill to the Select Committee without their consent, by a motion moved by Raghav Chadha. They accused Chadha of forgery and breach of privilege.[36][37] On 11 August, Chadha was suspended from the Rajya Sabha, for "Gross Violation Of Rules".[38]

In April 2024, Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Amritsar North and former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, made serious allegations against his party's senior leader, Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha. During a rally in Amritsar, Singh accused Chadha of having close associations with at least two Punjab Police officers allegedly involved in supporting the drug trade in the city, describing them as Chadha's blue-eyed boys.[39]

These explosive claims have ignited a political firestorm in Punjab, with opposition parties demanding a thorough investigation. Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar termed the revelations as "incriminating and damning," urging the Election Commission to take cognizance and initiate a probe into Chadha's alleged role in patronizing the drug mafia.[40]

In response to the controversy, the AAP suspended Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh from the party for five years, citing anti-party activities.[41]

Electoral performance

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2019 Indian general elections: South Delhi
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
BJP Ramesh Bidhuri 687,014 56.58 Increase11.41
AAP Raghav Chadha 3,19,971 26.35 Decrease9.12
INC Vijender Singh 1,64,613 13.56 Increase2.20
NOTA None of the Above 5,264 0.43 Increase0.07
Majority 3,67,043 30.23 Increase20.53
Turnout 12,14,545 58.75 Decrease4.22
BJP hold Swing Increase11.41
Delhi Assembly elections, 2020: Rajinder Nagar
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
AAP Raghav Chadha 59,135 57.06 +3.67
BJP R. P. Singh 39,077 37.70 +1.76
INC Rocky Tuseed 3,941 3.80 −4.00
NOTA None of the above 467 0.45 +0.04
Majority 20,058 19.36 +1.91
Turnout 1,03,675 58.50 −9.80
Registered electors 1,77,867
AAP hold Swing +3.67


References

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Further reading

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Raghav Chadha (born 11 November 1988) is an Indian and serving as a in the from for the (AAP) since 2022. One of the youngest members of the , Chadha holds positions as a national spokesperson and executive member of AAP, with a professional background in auditing enterprises for irregularities before entering full-time . As a member of the , he has questioned government spending and policies, including critiques of defense recruitment schemes and paper leaks in examinations. Chadha's parliamentary has included controversies, such as his 2023 suspension from the for breach of privilege after allegations of including fabricated names in a privilege motion against fellow MPs.

Early Life and Background

Family Origins and Upbringing

Raghav Chadha was born on 11 November 1988 in to Sunil Chadha, a businessman, and Alka Chadha, a homemaker. He grew up in as the younger of two siblings in a environment that emphasized professional aspirations typical of urban middle-class households in the city. His father's business activities provided a stable backdrop, while his mother's role focused on domestic responsibilities, shaping a conventional structure amid Delhi's dynamic socio-economic landscape. Chadha's upbringing in exposed him to the city's multicultural and politically charged atmosphere from an early age, fostering interests that later aligned with and efforts. Specific details on ancestral roots beyond his Delhi-based family remain undocumented in public records, with his immediate origins tied to the urban Punjabi community prevalent in the capital. The family's modest yet aspirational ethos, as reflected in parental expectations for careers in established fields like or professions, influenced Chadha's trajectory without evident ties to rural or migratory histories.

Education and Early Achievements

Raghav Chadha completed his schooling at Modern School, Barakhamba Road, in . He then pursued undergraduate studies, earning a B.Com degree from at the University of in 2009. Following graduation, Chadha qualified as a through the Institute of Chartered Accountants of (ICAI) in 2011, becoming one of the youngest in his batch to clear the rigorous examinations. This professional qualification marked an early milestone, enabling him to enter practice as a before his involvement in public activism.

Pre-Political Professional Career

Chartered Accountancy Practice

Raghav Chadha qualified as a after completing his articleship and examinations under the Institute of Chartered Accountants of , becoming one of the younger professionals to obtain a license to practice in the field. He commenced his independent practice as a at age 22, around 2010, focusing initially on financial advisory and compliance services. Prior to or alongside his private practice, Chadha gained experience at established accountancy firms, including and Grant Thornton, where he handled auditing, taxation, and financial consulting assignments. He also worked with Shyam Malpani & Co., a firm specializing in similar domains, further building proficiency in and . These roles equipped him with practical insights into economic , which he later leveraged in policy analysis. After pursuing advanced studies at the London School of Economics, Chadha founded a boutique firm in , emphasizing investment advisory and for high-net-worth individuals. The firm operated as a small-scale operation, applying chartered accountancy principles to personalized financial planning, , and . This entrepreneurial venture marked a shift toward client-focused practice, distinct from large-firm structures, and underscored his early emphasis on financial rigor over volume-based services. Chadha maintained active involvement in accountancy until transitioning fully to political roles around 2012-2013, retaining his professional qualification thereafter.

Entry into Politics

Participation in Anti-Corruption Movement

Raghav Chadha joined the (IAC) movement in 2011, a mass campaign spearheaded by to pressure the (UPA) government into enacting the , an independent anti-corruption with investigative powers over public officials. At the time, Chadha, aged 22 and recently qualified as a , volunteered during the movement's later stages, amid widespread protests in and other cities following Hazare's arrests and fasts, such as the August 2011 events at . Initially, Chadha's participation involved part-time support, committing a few hours weekly to organizational and logistical efforts while balancing his professional practice, which he had begun establishing after studies abroad. His engagement deepened into full-time involvement by early 2012, as the IAC campaigned against perceived governmental inaction on scandals like the irregularities and spectrum allocation, drawing millions to street demonstrations. Leveraging his accounting expertise, he assisted in reviewing financial aspects of the movement's demands and contributed to drafting proposals for state-level mechanisms, including the Bill introduced in December 2011. Chadha's role positioned him among younger volunteers bridging professional skills with activism, helping sustain the campaign's momentum despite internal tensions and the government's passage of a weaker Bill in December 2011. This period marked his transition from observer—having monitored the protests from abroad—to active participant, fostering connections with movement leaders like , whose advocacy for stronger accountability influenced Chadha's commitment to systemic reforms over electoral politics initially.

Founding Involvement with Aam Aadmi Party

Raghav Chadha became involved in politics through the (IAC) campaign led by , joining as a volunteer in its later stages around late 2011 when he was 23 years old and working as a . Initially contributing part-time—about four hours per week—his participation intensified after meeting , the eventual AAP leader, during the campaign's final phase, leading to a full-time commitment. Chadha contributed to drafting the , a key measure that became central to AAP's platform following the IAC's internal split. When Kejriwal and supporters formally launched the on November 26, 2012, Chadha aligned with the new entity from its inception, serving as an early member of the national executive and later as national treasurer by age 26. His early roles focused on policy formulation, including inputs for the party's 2013 Delhi assembly election manifesto, reflecting his background in finance and legal drafting.

Political Roles and Activities

Spokesperson and Advisory Positions

Raghav Chadha has served as the national spokesperson for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) since the early years of his involvement with the party, a role in which he represents the party's positions on various media platforms and contributes to its communication strategy. He is recognized as the youngest individual to hold this position and also functions as a member of AAP's national executive, overseeing litigation affairs for the party, including legal matters involving its leadership. In December 2020, AAP appointed Chadha as co-in-charge of its organizational unit, tasked with strengthening the party's presence ahead of state elections. Following AAP's electoral success in Punjab's assembly polls, Chadha stepped down from the co-incharge role upon his nomination to the . The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, subsequently appointed Chadha in July 2022 as chairman of a temporary advisory committee on matters of public importance, positioning him to provide guidance on policy and administrative issues despite his lack of an elected mandate in the state. This move, which involved a Delhi-based AAP leader advising a state government, prompted objections from opposition figures, including Congress leaders who likened it to colonial-era overreach and questioned its alignment with federal principles.

Electoral Campaigns

Chadha's initial foray into direct electoral politics occurred during the , where he represented the (AAP) as its candidate for the . He polled a significant number of votes but was defeated by the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) by a margin of 366,019 votes, with Bidhuri securing 684,205 votes to Chadha's 318,186. In the subsequent 2020 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections, Chadha contested from the Rajinder Nagar constituency on an AAP ticket, marking his first assembly-level campaign after the Lok Sabha setback. He won the seat by defeating BJP candidate RP Singh with a margin of 20,085 votes, receiving 52,925 votes compared to Singh's 32,840, while the Indian National Congress's Rocky Tuseed garnered only 928 votes. This victory contributed to AAP's landslide retention of power in Delhi, securing 62 out of 70 seats. Chadha's assembly tenure was brief, as he resigned following his unopposed election to the Rajya Sabha from Punjab in April 2022, nominated by AAP's Punjab legislative contingent amid the party's governance there. Beyond personal contests, he has coordinated AAP campaigns, including as co-in-charge for the party's unsuccessful 2022 Gujarat assembly push, and actively participated in rallies for the 2025 Delhi assembly elections, such as joint events with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and performances at voter outreach gatherings, though AAP lost the Rajinder Nagar seat to BJP's Umang Bajaj amid broader defeats.

Rajya Sabha Tenure and Legislative Work

Raghav Chadha was elected unopposed to the from on March 25, 2022, representing the (AAP), with his term set to expire on April 9, 2028. At age 33, he became one of the youngest members of the at the time of his election. His tenure has focused on opposition advocacy, including participation in 37 debates and raising questions on issues such as , smart meters under rural electrification schemes, and promotion of to enhance farmers' incomes. In August 2023, Chadha faced suspension from the for alleged breach of privilege related to forged signatures on a select committee proposal for the Services Bill, though he denied the accusations and claimed procedural irregularities by the government. The suspension was revoked on December 4, 2023, following a motion by a BJP member, allowing his reinstatement. Subsequently, AAP appointed him as the party's leader in the on December 16, 2023. He was also nominated to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, where he has engaged on geopolitical matters amid global conflicts. Chadha has introduced private members' bills, including one on August 6, 2022, seeking to make minimum support price (MSP) a legal for farmers, aiming to compel government debate on agricultural procurement reforms. On February 7, 2025, he moved for leave to introduce a bill amending the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, to address gaps in preventing malpractices. None of these bills have been enacted, consistent with the low passage rate for private members' legislation. His legislative interventions often critique government policies. In debates on the Union Budget and taxation, Chadha highlighted the pervasive tax burden on citizens—from birth to —and argued for simplifying the to reduce compliance costs, using poetic analogies to underscore perceived over-taxation. He opposed the Chief Commissioner and Other Authorities (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023, labeling it a "billdozer" for undermining electoral . On banking, he raised concerns over declining due to frauds, high rates, and hidden charges during discussions on the Banking Bill, 2024. In August 2023, he rallied opposition against the NCT of (Amendment) Bill, contending it rendered the Delhi government administratively ineffective by centralizing control over services. Additional speeches addressed affordability, noting fares' inaccessibility for middle-class passengers. These efforts align with AAP's and governance reform agenda, though critics from ruling parties have questioned their substantive impact amid ongoing partisan divides. In January 2026, as a demonstration of grassroots engagement, Chadha spent a day dressed as a Blinkit delivery rider to experience gig workers' challenges, riding pillion with a partner, collecting items from a store, and accompanying deliveries to a customer's doorstep, sharing a teaser video on social media stating "Away from boardrooms, at the grassroots. I lived their day. Stay tuned!".

Policy Positions and Contributions

Stances on Governance and Anti-Corruption

Raghav Chadha's political career originated in the 2011-2012 movement, where he volunteered as a young advocating for systemic reforms to curb graft in public institutions. This experience shaped his commitment to as a foundational principle, leading him to join the (AAP) upon its formation in 2012 from the movement's activists. Chadha has repeatedly emphasized that AAP embodies an unwavering ethos, stating in 2023 that the party "was carved out of anti-corruption movement" and thus remains undeterred by investigative agencies like the CBI or ED. In governance matters, Chadha promotes transparent and ethical administration, particularly in financial oversight, having served as AAP's national treasurer and contributed to the party's manifesto drafting with a focus on mechanisms. He has advocated for transparency and reforms to prevent misuse of public funds, positioning AAP as a proponent of "clean and honest politics" to replace entrenched corrupt practices in states like . During the 2022 Delhi municipal elections, he labeled the BJP-controlled MCD as the "most corrupt department," pledging AAP's victory would eliminate arbitrary shop sealings and conversion rate manipulations tied to . Chadha asserts a policy of for within AAP, citing the 2022 sacking of Punjab minister on graft charges—based on evidence of financial irregularities—as evidence of internal , unlike rival parties' alleged protection of corrupt officials. In electoral contexts, such as the 2022 Rajinder Nagar bypoll, he framed voter choice as endorsing "" to deliver efficient public services without leakage. His 2019 dismissal as an advisor to the by the was interpreted by him as retaliation against AAP's advocacy, reinforcing his narrative of governance reform through independent probes over political interference. In January 2026, Chadha dressed as a Blinkit delivery rider for a day to highlight challenges faced by gig economy workers, including low pay, excessive working hours, and lack of social security—issues he had previously raised in Parliament and media regarding fair wages and protections for delivery personnel.

National Security and Foreign Policy Views

Raghav Chadha has expressed strong support for India's military responses to cross-border terrorism, particularly praising Operation Sindoor in May 2025 as evidence of a "paradigm shift" in confronting terrorists and rogue states. He described the operation, which targeted terror infrastructure without resorting to nuclear options, as demonstrating India's decisiveness and capacity to dismantle safe havens deep inside adversarial territory, while emphasizing "zero tolerance" as the nation's new doctrine. Chadha backed the Indian armed forces during the operation, framing the conflict not merely against Pakistan but against "barbarity and the terrorism mindset," and highlighted India's advanced defense systems neutralizing Pakistani drones and missiles effectively. In addressing domestic security vulnerabilities, Chadha criticized the December 2023 Parliament security breach, questioning how the nation could be secure if its most fortified institutions were penetrable. He has advocated for heightened vigilance in matters, including urging the government to condition approvals for foreign technologies like on reciprocal economic treatment from the , citing risks to sovereignty amid U.S. tariffs on Indian exports. On , Chadha has taken a firm line against , labeling it a "terror state" rather than a victim during speeches at international forums, including the Ideas for India Conference 2025 in on May 30, 2025, where he called for its global isolation due to decades of terror sponsorship. He advocated for a united global against Pakistan-backed , speaking as India's representative at the Asian Leadership Conference in on May 21, 2025, and credited India's shift from non-alignment to multi-alignment for enabling strategic autonomy in engaging powers like and the West. Chadha's critiques of U.S. policies reflect concerns over bilateral imbalances, including warnings in 2025 about 100% tariffs on Indian pharmaceuticals—echoing earlier parliamentary cautions—and opposition to President Trump's May 2025 ban on international students at , which he viewed as threatening and the future of global exchanges. In October 2025, his nomination to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs positioned him to influence scrutiny of India's foreign engagements, including strategic priorities and international agreements.

Criticisms of Policy Implementation

Raghav Chadha's appointment as chairman of Punjab's Nodal Advisory Committee in July 2022, tasked with overseeing the conception and implementation of pro-people initiatives, drew sharp criticism from opposition parties for exemplifying AAP's centralization of power from , which they argued undermined local autonomy and efficient policy execution. leader described the panel as circumventing the electorate's choice, portraying as a "colonial outpost" of 's AAP leadership. Critics contended this structure prioritized national AAP ambitions over state-specific needs, leading to administrative bottlenecks in policy rollout. Tensions between Chadha and Punjab Chief Minister were cited as exacerbating governance issues, with reports highlighting a lack of trust that impeded scheme implementation, such as delays in promised welfare programs. This dynamic, attributed in part to Chadha's advisory influence, contributed to broader AAP administrative shortcomings in , including slow agricultural procurement processes and inadequate infrastructure maintenance, as noted in public assessments of the 's two-year tenure. Opposition voices, including BJP leaders, accused the setup of diverting state resources toward AAP's expansionist goals rather than effective on-ground delivery. In Delhi, where Chadha served as a prominent AAP spokesperson during the Kejriwal government's tenure, he defended environmental policies like the 2016 odd-even vehicle rationing scheme (phase 2), which the BJP labeled a outright failure for failing to measurably curb air pollution despite logistical disruptions. Detractors pointed to persistent high pollution levels post-implementation, questioning the scheme's efficacy and resource allocation, though Chadha attributed shortcomings to external factors like vehicular compliance evasion. Such defenses highlighted AAP's pattern of promoting initiatives amid implementation critiques, with independent analyses underscoring gaps between policy promises and outcomes in urban governance.

Controversies and Scrutiny

In April 2018, the Ministry of Home Affairs cancelled the appointments of nine advisers to the Delhi government, including Raghav Chadha, on the grounds that the positions had not been formally sanctioned by the central government. Chadha, who had served in a token advisory role with a nominal salary of Rs 2.50 per month, responded by issuing a demand draft for that amount to the ministry as a refund for his tenure, which he claimed had effectively ended in 2016. AAP leaders, including Chadha, described the cancellation as a politically motivated diversion by the BJP-led central government to distract from governance issues in Delhi, though the ministry maintained it was a routine administrative correction. Chadha faced further scrutiny in his organizational roles within AAP. In 2022, following AAP's victory in , he stepped down as the party's Punjab in-charge after being appointed as an advisor to , though AAP clarified this was a voluntary transition rather than a termination. Legal challenges escalated during Chadha's tenure. On August 11, 2023, he was suspended indefinitely from the for alleged breach of privilege, stemming from accusations that he forged signatures of four opposition MPs—Nishikant Dubey (BJP), Sukhendu Sekhar Roy (TMC), (former MP), and Ghanshyam Tiwari (BJP)—to include them in the select committee for the Services Bill without their consent. The Ethics Committee investigated and found him guilty of misleading the media and deliberately adding unauthorized names, recommending his suspension pending further inquiry. Chadha challenged the suspension in the , which in November 2023 suggested he apologize to Chairman to resolve the matter, noting that indefinite suspensions undermine parliamentary norms. The suspension was revoked on December 4, 2023, after Chadha tendered an apology. Additional legal proceedings included a defamation case where Chadha challenged summons issued over tweets criticizing a BJP leader, with the Delhi High Court in 2017 ruling that retweeting defamatory content could constitute liability, though he petitioned against it. In December 2024, a Delhi court dismissed his plea against the cancellation of his official bungalow allocation by the Rajya Sabha House Committee, affirming he had no vested right to retain it post-suspension. Chadha has maintained these actions represent targeted political persecution by opponents, while critics, including BJP figures, cited them as evidence of procedural misconduct.

Allegations of Absence and Party Loyalty

In August 2023, four (BJP) MPs filed breach of privilege complaints against Raghav Chadha, alleging that he forged their signatures to nominate them to a select committee examining the Government of National Capital Territory of (Amendment) Bill, 2023. The Chairman, , suspended Chadha from the House on August 11, 2023, pending the Privileges Committee's report, citing "gross violation of rules and misconduct." This enforcement resulted in Chadha's absence from proceedings for 115 days, during which he underwent surgery in the for a condition. Chadha denied the forgery claims, asserting they were fabricated by BJP members to target opposition voices, and petitioned the , which directed him to tender an unconditional apology to the . The (AAP) framed the episode as political vendetta amid ongoing disputes over Delhi's governance. The suspension was revoked on December 4, 2023, following the Privileges Committee's recommendation, allowing Chadha's return. Prior to this, Chadha maintained high attendance records, including 100% in the 's winter session of 2022 and 93% in earlier sessions, countering any narrative of habitual absenteeism. No substantiated allegations of disloyalty to AAP have emerged; Chadha has consistently defended the party's leadership and policies, including criticizing BJP actions and affirming AAP's independent electoral strategy in Delhi. Opponents' scrutiny during the suspension period focused on procedural breaches rather than intraparty fidelity, with Chadha resuming active roles as AAP's national spokesperson post-revocation.

Responses to Corruption Claims Against AAP

Raghav Chadha, as a prominent spokesperson for the (AAP), has consistently framed responses to corruption allegations against the party as politically motivated vendettas orchestrated by the (BJP)-led central government. He argues that AAP, born from the 2011 movement led by , maintains an unwavering anti-corruption ethos and exhibits zero tolerance for graft within its ranks, citing the swift sacking of a Punjab minister in May 2022 upon evidence of corruption. In addressing probes into the Delhi excise policy, often termed the "liquor scam," Chadha and AAP leaders have dismissed (ED) and (CBI) actions as conspiracies to cripple opposition parties ahead of elections, pointing to the agency's alleged selective targeting of AAP while sparing BJP affiliates. Chadha has highlighted instances where politicians facing charges reportedly had cases dropped after joining the BJP, contrasting this with AAP's purported refusal to shield accused members. Chadha has defended arrested AAP figures like Manish Sisodia, convicted in lower courts but granted bail by the Supreme Court on August 9, 2024, portraying him as a victim of fabricated charges rather than acknowledging the policy's irregularities, such as increased liquor sales commissions from 5% to 12% that allegedly favored private vendors. AAP has countered by filing complaints against BJP for "character assassination" campaigns, including social media attacks on Arvind Kejriwal, while insisting no evidence substantiates kickback claims exceeding ₹100 crore in the excise case. Emphasizing the party's resilience, Chadha stated in April 2023 that AAP members are "not scared of CBI, ED or police detention," attributing such scrutiny to the party's challenge to entrenched power structures rather than any inherent wrongdoing. This narrative aligns with AAP's broader claim of delivering corruption-free in , though independent audits and court proceedings have upheld procedural lapses in policy implementation without conclusively proving or disproving systemic graft as of October 2025.

Personal Life

Marriage and Relationships

Raghav Chadha married Indian actress on September 24, 2023, in an intimate ceremony at , , attended by close family members and a limited number of guests. The couple had announced their engagement on May 13, 2023, via , following months of private dating that began after an initial meeting arranged through mutual connections. Chopra later recounted searching online for Chadha's age, height, and immediately after their first date to verify details, confirming he was single at the time. Prior to his , Chadha maintained a low public profile regarding personal relationships, with no verified prior engagements or long-term partnerships reported in credible sources. The couple has described their bond as built on mutual respect and shared values, with Chadha emphasizing and playful dynamics as key to their partnership in joint interviews. In August 2025, and Chopra announced they were expecting their first child, sharing the news through a joint post stating "1+1=3." The couple welcomed a son on October 20, 2025, coinciding with celebrations. No further details on additional relationships or separations have been publicly confirmed as of October 2025.

Family Milestones and Public Profile


Raghav Chadha married actress Parineeti Chopra on September 24, 2023, in Udaipur, Rajasthan, following their engagement on May 13, 2023. The couple welcomed their first child, a son, in October 2025, marking a significant family milestone as announced on social media. Chadha hails from a family where his father, Sunil Chadha, is a businessman, his mother, Alka Chadha, is a homemaker, and he has an elder sister.
Chadha maintains a prominent public profile as a national spokesperson for the (AAP) and a member, leveraging platforms with over 3 million followers to engage audiences on political issues. His media appearances, including interviews and public addresses, position him as a articulate young leader within AAP, often highlighting and themes. This visibility, combined with his professional background as a , contributes to his image as an educated and media-savvy politician.

Electoral Record

Lok Sabha and Other Contests

Chadha contested the in the as the () candidate. He polled 319,971 votes, finishing second behind the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) , who received 687,014 votes and won by a margin of 367,043 votes. The constituency had a of approximately 64%, with aiming to leverage its government performance but facing a national BJP wave. In the February 2020 Legislative Assembly election, Chadha secured victory in the Rajinder Nagar constituency for AAP, defeating BJP's Sardar RP Singh by a margin of 20,085 votes out of 103,643 valid votes cast. candidate Rocky Tuseed placed third with 928 votes. This win contributed to AAP's retention of power in , with 62 seats overall. Chadha did not serve a full term as MLA, later transitioning to the .
ElectionYearConstituencyPartyVotes ReceivedResultMargin
Lok Sabha2019South DelhiAAP319,971Lost367,043 (to BJP)
Delhi Assembly2020Rajinder NagarAAP~61,800 (estimated from margin and total valid votes)Won20,085 (over BJP)
Chadha has not contested subsequent Lok Sabha elections, including in 2024 when AAP fielded Sahi Ram in , or other major polls as of October 2025.

Vote Shares and Outcomes

In the , Raghav Chadha contested the as the (AAP) candidate, receiving 319,971 votes and approximately 27% of the valid votes polled, finishing second behind (BJP) candidate , who secured 687,014 votes (about 58%). The margin of defeat was 367,043 votes, reflecting AAP's limited national appeal in at the time despite local strengths. Chadha achieved electoral success in the from the Rajinder Nagar constituency, where he won as the AAP candidate with 59,135 votes, capturing 57.05% of the valid votes polled out of 103,176 total valid votes. He defeated BJP candidate Sardar RP Singh, who received 39,077 votes (37.70%), by a margin of 20,058 votes, underscoring AAP's dominance in urban seats amid high of about 58.5% from 177,222 electors.
Election YearConstituencyVotes ReceivedVote ShareMarginOutcome
2019 (South )AAP319,971~27%-367,043 (defeat)Lost to BJP
2020 Assembly (Rajinder Nagar)AAP59,13557.05%+20,058 (win)Won against BJP

References

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