Raghav Chadha to join BJP? Centre's Z security cover and AAP's big claim

Days after AAP's rift with Raghav Chadha came out in the open, the Punjab government has withdrawn his Z+ security. Hours later, Centre provided him Z security cover and an AAP spokesperson claimed that he had a meeting with top BJP bosses.

In Short

• Raghav Chadha receives Z security from Centre
• Punjab withdrew Chadha's Z+ security cover
• Delhi Police provides interim security to Chadha

The Central government on Wednesday provided Z category security cover to Raghav Chadha, AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab, just hours after the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government withdrew his Z+ security. The swift move has signalled escalating tensions amid an ongoing rift within the party.

According to sources, the Delhi Police has been instructed to provide immediate protection to Chadha until the Centre’s security arrangement is formally implemented.

The Centre’s decision follows a threat perception assessment conducted by the Intelligence Bureau, which recommended enhanced protection.

RAGHAV CHADHA IN TOUCH WITH BJP: AAP

AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar claimed that Raghav Chadha was in touch with BJP and his security cover was a form of bargain.

"We have information from verified sources that there was a meeting of top-level BJP leaders with Raghav Chadha wherein it was decided that Raghav will be provided Z+ security and raids will be conducted at Ashok Mittal who had replaced him as deputy leader of the Upper House," she claimed.

"This is very unfortunate and Raghav should remember that it was Arvind Kejriwal who took him from the streets to Rajya Sabha," she added. She further said that the Central security cover is part of some bargain that Chadha has done with BJP.

"There is no other reason Centre will provide him a security cover," she said while speaking to India Today.

WHY PUNJAB WITHDREW RAGHAV CHADHA’S Z+ COVER

The Punjab government has not yet issued an official statement explaining its decision, but the timing has raised eyebrows. Sources indicate that the move reflects growing distance between Chadha and the AAP leadership.

The Bhagwant Mann-led government’s decision came soon after Chadha was removed as Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha. Soon after, Chadha released a video criticising his own party, alleging attempts to silence him.

The situation escalated rapidly, with senior AAP leaders, including Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Atishi, and Sanjay Singh, launching sharp attacks on Chadha. They accused him of prioritising “soft PR” over substantive issues in Parliament and alleged that he avoided speaking against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was also criticised for not participating in the Opposition’s walkout during the Prime Minister’s Lok Sabha address.

Atishi further questioned Chadha’s absence during key moments, including protests in Punjab and the period when Arvind Kejriwal was jailed.

Chadha later responded with another video, denying all allegations.

RAGHAV CHADHA TO JOIN BJP?

Speculation about Chadha’s political future intensified after his removal, with several BJP leaders coming out in his support. They criticised Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of sidelining colleagues after using them politically, while praising Chadha’s parliamentary speeches.

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva termed the move to restrict Chadha’s participation in Parliament as “highly objectionable”.

"Kejriwal first uses people and then gets rid of them,” said Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, adding that if Chadha does decide to join the BJP, it will be "up to him."

The Centre’s decision to grant him security cover has further fuelled speculation about a possible shift. And now AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar's claim that he held a meeting with top BJP bosses hints at a possible switch.

While Chadha has not clarified his next move, there is also buzz about him potentially launching his own political outfit. The speculation gained traction after he responded to a social media suggestion about forming a “Gen-Z party,” calling it an “interesting thought.”

An Instagram user had argued that Chadha, given his current popularity, could attract significant youth support by starting his own party rather than joining an existing one.

- Ends