‘Punjab not a talking point, it’s my soul: Raghav Chadha hits back at AAP over ‘betrayal’ row

CHANDIGARH: A day after Punjab AAP functionaries accused him of betraying the state that elected him, Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Sunday dismissed the claims as "politically motivated and a selective and coordinated misinformation campaign".Chadha asserted that Punjab is not a mere talking point but his "soul and commitment". "...no amount of repetition can change the truth. Facts remain facts. Records remain records. Let me say this clearly: Punjab is not a talking point for me. It is my commitment. It is my soul. I have always stood for Punjab's rights, and I will continue to do so with honesty, courage, and conviction," Chadha said in a statement. He argued that his parliamentary performance directly contradicts the accusations, which have intensified following his removal as the party's deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha. Chadha maintained that anyone following Parliament would know he has consistently and forcefully raised Punjab's concerns on the House floor. Addressing allegations regarding stalled state funds, Chadha called the claims entirely untrue. He pointed to his demand for Rural Development Fund (RDF) dues on July 31, 2024, as documented in official records. Sharing a video, he highlighted various other interventions, including demands for MSP for farmers, industrial investment, border security, and tackling the drug menace. He also pointed out his advocacy for the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor expansion and visa-free access to Nankana Sahib. Chadha emphasised that these were serious, documented interventions rather than symbolic gestures or "performative outrage". He said that he entered Parliament to create a tangible impact rather than a ruckus. He said while allegations without facts might serve short-term political convenience, they do a grave injustice to democratic discourse and the people of Punjab.