Where is Raghav Chadha? Questions swirl around his absence amid tumultuous political landscape of AAP

PTC Web Desk: Amid the tumultuous political landscape of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), following the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the Delhi excise policy scam, questions swirl around the absence of the party's Rajya Sabha representative, Raghav Chadha. 

Speculation mounts that Raghav Chadha's conspicuous absence may be linked to evading scrutiny from the Enforcement Directorate regarding the now-defunct Delhi excise policy. Kejriwal's recent arrest in this case has only exacerbated the turmoil within the AAP, amplifying concerns about Chadha's whereabouts.

According to Raghav Chadha's account on a microblogging platform, he has been in London since March 8 undergoing a vitrectomy, a surgical procedure aimed at averting retinal detachment. During his stay in London, Raghav Chadha participated in an interactive session at the London India Forum 2024, hosted by the prestigious London School of Economics on March 9. Notably, his wife, Bollywood actor Parineeti Chopra, was also a speaker at this forum.

Chadha took to social media to express his gratitude for the enriching opportunity, further cementing his activities during his overseas stay. However, his interaction with controversial UK Parliamentarian Preet Kaur Gill drew criticism from the BJP, raising questions about his associations and political allegiances.

Raghav Chadha's engagement extended to visiting the Palace of Westminster on March 20, accompanied by his wife Parineeti Chopra, to attend the Prime Minister’s Question Session at the House of Commons. Despite his physical absence from the Indian political scene, Chadha has maintained an active presence on social media platforms, condemning Kejriwal's arrest and defending him against allegations, while also sharing updates on AAP's activities.

The absence of Raghav Chadha has not gone unnoticed by political adversaries and allies alike.  BJP's IT cell chief, Amit Malviya, openly questioned Chadha's overseas stay amidst the Indian election season, fueling speculation about his motives and intentions. Similarly, Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar's remarks reflect the broader sentiment surrounding Chadha's absence, with concerns about its implications for the AAP's internal dynamics.

Moreover, the Enforcement Directorate's mention of Chadha's name in the ongoing investigation further intensifies scrutiny surrounding his absence. Despite being implicated in the case, Chadha has not been formally summoned by the agency for questioning, leaving his legal standing ambiguous. Delhi Cabinet Minister Atishi's assertion that Chadha, along with other AAP members, may face potential arrest by the agency only adds to the uncertainty surrounding his current situation.

The evolving narrative surrounding Chadha's absence underscores deeper fissures within the AAP and raises questions about the party's resilience amidst political upheaval. The lack of clarity surrounding Chadha's activities abroad and the implications of his absence on the AAP's future trajectory warrant closer examination. Critics point to the timing of his overseas visit amid a crucial period in Delhi politics, questioning its strategic significance and potential repercussions.

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