Centre ‘grants’ Chadha Z security after Punjab withdraws Z-plus cover

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Written by: Kanchan Vasdev2 min readChandigarhApr 16, 2026 05:00 AM IST “He was left with 21 security personnel. After his removal as deputy leader in the RS, most of the remaining personnel were also withdrawn. He is now left with five, as he continues to be an RS MP from Punjab and this level of security is mandatory,” the source added. Make us preferred source on Google Whatsapp twitter Facebook Reddit PRINT The Punjab government has withdrawn the Z-plus category security of MP Raghav Chadha, days after AAP removed him as party’s deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha. The Centre, meanwhile, directed Delhi Police to provide him Z category, it has been learnt. Sources within the AAP said Chadha’s security was withdrawn two days after he was removed as RS deputy leader and replaced him with Ashok Mittal. It is learnt that earlier Chadha had 41 security personnel as part of his Z-plus cover. During the 2024 Lok Sabha, he had a falling out with the party. The rift widened in July 2025 during the Punjab Cricket Association elections, when he backed a candidate who later supported a BJP-backed nominee in the BCCI elections. “It was then that nearly 50% of his security personnel were recalled by the Punjab Police,” a source, privy to the developments, said. “He was left with 21 security personnel. After his removal as deputy leader in the RS, most of the remaining personnel were also withdrawn. He is now left with five, as he continues to be an RS MP from Punjab and this level of security is mandatory,” the source added. AAP national media in-charge Anurag Dhanda said, “The Centre granting Chadha Z-category security is not a coincidence but a calculated move.” Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram