The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has replaced Raghav Chadha as the deputy leader of the party in the Rajya Sabha with Ashok Mittal, sparking speculation of a rift within the party.
Party leaders described the decision as part of internal restructuring, but the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claimed the move was a result of Chadha's 'distancing himself' from party national convener Arvind Kejriwal.
Congress lawmaker Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said it is now clear that Chadha is separate from the AAP, citing reports that Chadha was away from several public events led by Kejriwal.
Ashok Mittal, who replaces Chadha, sought to downplay speculation of discord, calling the reshuffle part of routine organisational functioning.
The AAP currently has 10 members in the Rajya Sabha, with Chadha representing Punjab in the Upper House.
