10 times Raghav Chadha took a stand that went viral

Raghav Chadha has been in the news again, this time for his series of viral interventions in the Rajya Sabha. Recently removed from his position as Deputy Leader by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Chadha remains a familiar and outspoken face, especially on issues affecting the middle class. The party informed the Rajya Sabha Secretariat that Chadha will no longer get speaking time from its quota.

Chadha has been with AAP since 2012 and is considered one of the architects behind former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s election campaigns. A Chartered Accountant by profession, he has helped draft key legislation like the Delhi Lokpal Bill and various party manifestos.

In Parliament, Chadha quickly earned a reputation as a voice for ordinary citizens, tackling issues from traffic jams to banking charges, consumer rights, and workplace fairness.

Raghav Chadha’s 10 most talked-about Rajya Sabha points

Paternity leave and shared childcare

He raised the need for legal paternity leave, highlighting that childcare should be a shared responsibility. According to Chadha, fathers shouldn’t have to choose between work and supporting their partners after childbirth.

Traffic, travel, and urban life

Chadha pointed out that commuters lose nearly 168 hours a year stuck in traffic. His solution? A national mission to manage congestion with smart parking and improved public transport.

He also questioned why airlines charge high fees for extra baggage yet offer no compensation for major delays, advocating for policies that hold airlines accountable to passengers’ time.

Consumer rights and banking

Chadha argued that unused mobile data belongs to consumers, proposing rollovers or transfers to friends and family. He also suggested that married couples be allowed to file joint income tax returns—a “marriage bonus” to simplify filings and reduce the middle-class burden.

He criticised low-balance bank charges as a “penalty on poverty,” pointing out that Rs 19,000 crore had been collected over three years. He called for these charges to be removed for farmers and pensioners.

Women’s health and food standards

Chadha stressed that menstrual hygiene should be a right, not charity. He proposed integrated policies to ensure schoolgirls have access to pads and privacy, reducing dropout risks.

He also criticised major food brands for marketing “sugar water” as fruit juice and urged stricter regulation to prevent misleading ads contributing to rising diabetes rates.

Championing gig workers’ rights

Chadha has been vocal about the pressure faced by delivery workers under the “10-minute delivery” model, calling it exploitative. He argued that gig workers were being treated like “hostages in helmets” and urged for better social security, fair wages, and safer working conditions.

Investor safety and middle-class finances

Responding to market volatility caused by the West Asia conflict, Chadha suggested a “security shield” for small investors and SIP holders. He called for tax-neutral mutual fund switching and STT exemptions to protect everyday investors.

With agency inputs