New Rajya Sabha Leader: Who is Ashok Mittal? AAP’s new Rajya Sabha deputy leader replacing Raghav Chadha

News India Live, Digital Desk: After the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) removed Raghav Chadha from the post of Deputy Leader of Rajya Sabha, now all eyes are on his successor Ashok Kumar Mittal. The journey from the floor to the heights of Ashok Mittal, Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab and owner of one of the country’s largest private universities, is no less than a film story. The journey from a small shop to Parliament. Ashok Mittal was born in an ordinary family in Jalandhar, Punjab. Family background: His father, late Baldev Raj Mittal, started business from a small sweet shop named ‘Lovely Sweets’ in Jalandhar Cantt. Revolution in the world of education: Ashok Mittal transformed the family business of sweets into the field of education. He established the Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara (Punjab) in 2005, which today is spread over 600 acres and where students from more than 50 countries study. Political journey: Mittal came into active politics in 2022, when the Aam Aadmi Party nominated him to the Rajya Sabha after its historic victory in the Punjab Assembly elections. Ashok Mittal, owner of assets worth crores, is the richest person in the country. Counted among the richest MPs. According to the election affidavit filed during Rajya Sabha nomination in 2022: Net worth: The total declared assets of Ashok Mittal and his wife Rashmi Mittal were more than ₹495 crore. Movable and immovable assets: They own shares, jewelery and bank balances worth crores of rupees as well as extensive commercial and residential properties in Jalandhar and surrounding areas. Luxury vehicles: Their entourage includes several expensive and luxury vehicles. Performance in Parliament so farImportant Committees: As a Rajya Sabha member, Mittal has been a member of the parliamentary committees on Defense and Finance. Recent Achievement: In February 2026, he was appointed a member of the ‘India-USA Parliamentary Friendship Group’. International Tour: Last year, he visited Russia, Spain and other European countries with an all-party delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi. Why did he get the place of Raghav Chaddha? Party sources say that Ashok Mittal’s image is that of a serious, balanced and logical speaker. To take advantage of his deep experience in education and industry, the party has entrusted him with the responsibility of Deputy Leader in the Upper House. However, ‘indiscipline’ and his ‘increasing distance’ from the party leadership are being considered as the main reasons behind Raghav Chadha’s removal. Mittal himself has described this change as a ‘regular process’.