DELHI: In a significant political move, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced that Ashok Mittal will take over as the deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, succeeding Raghav Chadha. This decision, communicated to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, marks a noteworthy shift in AAP's floor management strategy, as it discontinues Chadha's assignment to speaking slots from the party's quota.

Ashok Mittal, who founded Lovely Professional University, entered the political arena in 2022 and was elected to the Rajya Sabha the same year. Since his election, Mittal has participated actively in parliamentary affairs, serving on key committees such as the Committee on Defence and the Committee on Finance. He was also appointed to the India-USA Parliamentary Friendship Group in February 2026. His political engagements extend internationally, having been part of a multi-party delegation that visited several European nations following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Mittal's colleagues portray him as a composed and pragmatic voice in Parliament. His focus areas have largely revolved around education, employment, and development—an emphasis that aligns with AAP’s broader goals. The elevation of Mittal to this key position is seen as a strategic recalibration for the party, designed to leverage his academic background and measured approach to strengthen AAP's influence and effectiveness in the Upper House.

Chadha, who has been a prominent figure since his own appointment to the Rajya Sabha in April 2022, often raised public concerns. His advocacy for women’s rights in local governance and discussions on menstrual hygiene were particularly noteworthy, drawing attention to systemic issues affecting millions of women and girls in India.

The shift from Chadha to Mittal signals a determined effort by AAP to reinforce its presence in the Rajya Sabha, focusing on subject expertise and policy-driven discussions as it navigates the complexities of Indian politics. This transition underscores the party's commitment to addressing various critical challenges facing the nation through informed dialogue and action in the Parliament.