Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has been provided central security cover after the Punjab government withdrew his Z+ category protection, sources told media.
The reported development comes amid a political backdrop in which the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader has faced criticism from within the party over his alleged failure to raise key issues concerning Punjab in Parliament.
While details regarding the exact nature of the central protection have not been officially disclosed, the move has drawn attention, given the timing of the development and the ongoing political discourse surrounding Chadha’s performance as a representative of Punjab in the Rajya Sabha.
AAP QUESTIONS MP’s PERFORMANCE IN PARLIAMENT
The AAP accused Chadha of failing to raise important issues concerning Punjab in Parliament, saying that his “inaction" was contrary to the party’s principles.
In a joint statement, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, state AAP president Aman Arora and party leader Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said Chadha’s silence on several critical matters was “disappointing".
Cheema said Chadha, who was elected to the Rajya Sabha by Punjab MLAs, was expected to strongly present the state’s concerns at the national level, but did not raise “even a single sensitive issue" related to Punjab in Parliament.
KEY FINANCIAL CONCERNS NOT RAISED: AAP LEADERS
According to PTI, the Punjab Finance Minister highlighted several financial matters that were not raised in Parliament.
These include approximately Rs 8,500 crore in pending Rural Development Fund (RDF) dues and GST-related losses estimated at nearly Rs 60,000 crore.
Cheema also referred to financial setbacks linked to changes in GST compensation as well as issues concerning funding under the National Health Mission.
He added that the matter of Punjab not receiving the full financial assistance of Rs 1,600 crore announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after last year’s floods was also not raised in Parliament.
Calling the silence “disappointing", Cheema said the party had expected Chadha to actively take up these concerns with the Centre.
PARTY SAYS PUBLIC ISSUES MUST BE RAISED CONSISTENTLY
Punjab AAP chief Aman Arora said raising public issues without fear was among the founding principles of the party and any deviation from that approach was “unexpected".
He added that pending financial and relief-related matters concerning the state required sustained attention at the national level.
AAP MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said there was resentment among residents affected by floods, as their concerns regarding compensation and relief were not discussed in Parliament despite repeated appeals.
The party leaders said issues concerning Punjab should be consistently raised across forums, adding that failure to do so undermines the mandate given by the people.
