Ashok Kumar Mittal has been appointed as the new Deputy Leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the Rajya Sabha, marking a significant transition within the party’s parliamentary representation. The AAP officially communicated this decision to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat on Thursday, confirming that he takes over from Raghav Chadha in this key leadership role.

Profile of Ashok Kumar Mittal

Ashok Kumar Mittal is a Member of Parliament representing Punjab in the Rajya Sabha. Having been elected to this position in April 2022, he has been an active participant in various parliamentary committees. His engagements include the Committee on Defence and the Committee on Finance, which handle crucial issues affecting national policy. Moreover, in February 2026, he was appointed to the India-USA Parliamentary Friendship Group, enhancing diplomatic ties between the two nations through legislative discussions.

Mittal’s involvement extends beyond domestic issues; he also joined an all-party delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi. This delegation undertook an international visit to multiple countries, including Russia, Latvia, Slovenia, Greece, and Spain, following the Pahalgam terror attack that occurred in the previous year. This experience underscores his role in addressing global concerns alongside parliamentary responsibilities.

Mittal’s ascension as Deputy Leader signals AAP’s commitment to maintaining a robust presence in the Rajya Sabha. His track record within the legislature suggests that he is well-prepared to navigate the complexities and challenges of this position.

Role of Raghav Chadha

Raghav Chadha, who previously held the position of Deputy Leader, has also been serving as a Rajya Sabha MP since April 2022. During his time in office, he has gained attention for advocating various public issues within Parliament. His contributions include highlighting matters concerning social justice and public health, which resonate deeply within Indian society.

In a notable instance last month, Chadha raised alarm over the concept known as “sarpanch pati” or “panchayat pati.” This term refers to the phenomenon where elected women leaders in local governance often act merely as figureheads, with real authority being held by their male relatives. He called on the government to take action, stressing the need for women in panchayat to exercise true power as intended under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment.

Chadha did not limit his advocacy to women’s empowerment; he also addressed the critical issue of menstrual hygiene in Parliament. He articulated that access to sanitary products, water, and privacy is a fundamental health and equality issue that affects over thirty-five crore women and girls in India. Through these remarks, he framed the lack of resources as a collective societal failure rather than an individual problem.

Chadha’s Engagement with Societal Issues

In addition to his legislative duties, Raghav Chadha has engaged with pressing issues faced by gig workers this year. In an effort to better understand their working conditions, he spent a day as a delivery partner. This initiative illustrated his commitment to grasping the challenges faced by those in the gig economy and highlighted the practical approach he has adopted in addressing contemporary labour issues.

The transition from Chadha to Mittal as Deputy Leader showcases the dynamic nature of AAP’s leadership in the Rajya Sabha and the party’s continued focus on addressing both local and national concerns. As Mittal assumes his new responsibilities, the party seeks to reinforce its role in legislative matters that impact the lives of ordinary citizens across India.

Both leaders, Chadha and Mittal, have demonstrated through their parliamentary service a commitment to various social issues and governance challenges, reflecting AAP’s broader objectives in the political landscape of India.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share