Punjab withdraws Raghav Chadha's Z+ cover amid AAP rift, Centre gives Z security

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has now been provided Z category security cover by the Centre based on an existing threat perception, according to sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs. The security will be extended in both Delhi and Punjab, with paramilitary forces assigned for his protection.

Sources told India Today that, for the time being, the Delhi Police has been instructed to provide immediate security cover to Chadha until the central arrangement is formally put in place.

The decision follows a threat assessment report prepared by the Intelligence Bureau, which recommended enhanced protection.

The development comes just hours after the Punjab government, led by the AAP, withdrew Chadha's earlier Z+ category security cover, which had been provided by the state police. The withdrawal was being seen as significant given the ongoing tensions between Chadha and the AAP leadership.

Chadha, a prominent AAP leader elected to the Rajya Sabha from Punjab, had been enjoying Z+ security cover from the state government.

However, sources indicated that this cover was withdrawn last week, amid an escalating rift within the party. The Centre’s move to grant him Z category security shortly after has drawn attention in political circles.

RIFT WITH AAP DEEPENS

The security reshuffle coincides with Chadha’s removal as deputy leader of AAP in the Rajya Sabha, a decision that has further intensified his differences with the party leadership.

Reacting to his removal, Chadha stated that he had been "silenced, not defeated," signalling a clear pushback against the party’s actions.

AAP leaders have accused Chadha of not adequately raising Punjab’s concerns in Parliament and adopting what they described as a "soft" approach instead of aggressively opposing the Centre.

They also alleged that he had avoided participating in key opposition actions, including walkouts and signing notices against constitutional authorities.

CHADHA REJECTS CHARGES

Raghav Chadha has strongly rejected these allegations, calling them "lies" and asserting that his role as a parliamentarian is to raise public issues constructively rather than engage in disruptions.

He maintained that his parliamentary record speaks for itself and defended his approach as being focused on substantive debate.

SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS, VIDEOS SIGNAL PUSHBACK

In recent days, Chadha has also taken to social media to counter criticism and signal his stance. He has shared multiple videos and posts highlighting his interventions in Parliament, including a video compilation titled "Voice Raised Price Paid".

In one post, he remarked that he would "let his work do the talking".

Adding to the political intrigue, Chadha recently commented "interesting thought" on a video suggesting he should float his own political party, fuelling speculation about his future within AAP.

He also shared an image referencing the phrase "Never Outshine the Master," widely interpreted as an indirect message aimed at party chief Arvind Kejriwal.

As the rift deepens, the withdrawal of state security and the Centre’s swift decision to provide fresh cover underline both the political and security dimensions of the situation.