Last Updated:
Raghav Chadha quits AAP, loses over one million Instagram followers in 24 hours amid Gen Z-led unfollow campaign.
Raghav Chadha quit AAP and joined BJP on Friday. (File photo)
A day after Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha triggered a political storm by quitting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), early signs suggest his public appeal, especially among younger audiences, may have taken a hit.
Chadha, who crossed over along with six AAP Rajya Sabha MPs, left the Arvind Kejriwal-led party scrambling. While his move had been anticipated following his removal as AAP’s Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha, the reaction online has been swift. Social media data indicates that the 37-year-old politician lost over one million followers on Instagram within 24 hours—dropping from 14.6 million on Friday to around 13.4 million by 2 pm on Saturday.
Massive Drop In Instagram Followers
Political observers say the backlash appears to be driven largely by Gen Z users. “A viral Gen Z ‘unfollow’ campaign on Instagram has led to Raghav Chadha‘s followers dropping by 10 lakh in 24 hours,” NCP (SP) spokesperson Anish Gawande wrote in a post on X. “The internet can make you a hero overnight. The internet can also bring you down to zero overnight,” he further said. Follow for live updates
Chadha had previously built a strong base among youth by raising everyday issues often overlooked in mainstream politics—from paternity leave and telecom data limits to concerns around gig workers and quick-delivery models. His decision to briefly work as a delivery partner for a quick-commerce platform further reinforced his image as an accessible leader.
Gen Z Drives ‘Unfollow’ Campaign
That connection had once sparked calls for him to lead a “Gen Z party,” a suggestion he had earlier described as an “interesting thought.” However, his decision to join the BJP appears to have shifted sentiment online. The hashtag “unfollowRaghavChadha” has gained traction, with users highlighting changes to his social media content.
Among those reacting was mountaineer Rohtash Khileri, while political commentator Diksha Kandpal noted a surge in unfollow comments on his posts. Senior AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj also pointed out that only two posts referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi remain on Chadha’s timeline—both praising him. Whether Chadha can rebuild his rapport with younger voters remains to be seen.
April 25, 2026, 14:54 IST
Read More
About The Author
