Punjab Govt Withdraws Raghav Chadha’s Z+ Security Amid AAP Rift; Centre Steps In With Fresh Cover

In a major political development that has intensified the ongoing turbulence within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Punjab government on April 15, 2026, withdrew the Z+ category security cover provided to Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha. The move has triggered sharp political reactions and added a new dimension to the growing internal rift within the party.

The development comes at a time when tensions between Chadha and the AAP leadership have been steadily escalating, making it one of the most talked-about political controversies in recent weeks.

Sudden Withdrawal of Security Raises Questions

According to official sources, the Punjab government withdrew the Z+ security cover that had been provided to Raghav Chadha by the state police. The personnel assigned to his protection were reportedly asked to report back to headquarters immediately.

This decision came shortly after Chadha was removed from the post of deputy leader of AAP in the Rajya Sabha earlier this month, a move that had already hinted at internal discord within the party.

The withdrawal of such a high-level security cover is being viewed as a significant step, especially given Chadha’s prominence as a national-level leader of the party.

Centre Steps In With New Security Cover

In a swift response to the Punjab government’s decision, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs stepped in to provide fresh security cover to Chadha. Reports indicate that he has now been granted ‘Z’ category security, which will be managed by central agencies.

This central security arrangement is expected to cover him in Delhi and Punjab, while a lower level of protection may be provided in other parts of the country.

Sources suggest that the decision was based on a threat perception assessment conducted by intelligence agencies, highlighting concerns regarding Chadha’s safety.

AAP Rift Comes Into Spotlight

The security withdrawal has brought the internal conflict within AAP into sharper focus. Chadha, once considered a close aide of party chief Arvind Kejriwal, has recently found himself at odds with the party leadership.

On April 2, AAP removed him from his position as deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha and replaced him with Punjab MP Ashok Mittal.

Party insiders had cited his absence from key meetings and alleged lack of aggressive political positioning against the central government as reasons for his removal. However, Chadha has denied these claims, calling them baseless.

The sequence of events—from his removal to the withdrawal of security—has fueled speculation of a deeper rift within the party.

Political Reactions Intensify

The development has sparked strong political reactions across the spectrum. AAP leaders have largely remained cautious in their public statements, but internal sources suggest unease over the escalating situation.

Opposition parties, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have seized the opportunity to criticize AAP, calling the episode evidence of instability within the party.

Meanwhile, the timing of the decision has also raised eyebrows, as it coincides with other major political developments, including Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on AAP MP Ashok Mittal.

Political observers believe that these overlapping events are contributing to a perception of turmoil within the ruling party in Punjab.

Link to ED Raids and Leadership Changes

The controversy surrounding Chadha’s security withdrawal cannot be viewed in isolation. It comes amid a series of developments that have collectively shaken AAP’s political standing in Punjab.

The recent ED raids on Ashok Mittal—who replaced Chadha as deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha—have already triggered allegations of political vendetta and counter-accusations between AAP and BJP.

At the same time, Chadha’s sidelining within the party and his reduced visibility in key political activities have added to the speculation of internal power struggles.

Some reports have even suggested that Chadha’s political future within AAP remains uncertain, although no official confirmation has been provided.

Who is Raghav Chadha?

Raghav Chadha is one of the youngest prominent leaders in Indian politics and has been a key face of AAP since its early years. A chartered accountant by profession, he entered politics with a reputation for being articulate and policy-focused.

He has served as an MLA in Delhi and is currently a Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab. Over the years, he has been closely associated with Arvind Kejriwal and has played a significant role in shaping AAP’s political strategy.

However, the recent developments indicate a shift in his standing within the party.

Broader Political Implications

The withdrawal of security and the subsequent intervention by the Centre have broader political implications beyond AAP.

Firstly, it raises questions about the use of state and central agencies in political matters. Secondly, it highlights the growing friction within AAP at a time when the party is trying to strengthen its national presence.

In Punjab, where AAP is currently in power, such developments could impact governance and political stability.

Analysts suggest that internal divisions within political parties often weaken their electoral prospects, especially when they become public.

What Lies Ahead

As of now, neither the Punjab government nor AAP leadership has issued a detailed explanation regarding the withdrawal of Chadha’s security cover.

At the same time, the Centre’s decision to provide security ensures that immediate concerns regarding his safety are addressed.

However, the larger political questions—about the internal dynamics of AAP and the future of Raghav Chadha within the party—remain unanswered.