Delhi LG Backs AAP MP Swati Maliwal in Assault Allegations Against Kejriwal’s Aide, Sparking Political Row

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 21st May. Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has voiced support for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Swati Maliwal, who is embroiled in a conflict with her party following an alleged assault by a close aide of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at his residence. The AAP has countered, claiming that the Lieutenant Governor’s letter indicates Maliwal is “working for the BJP”.

Saxena, who has had frequent disputes with the AAP government, expressed his distress over the media coverage of the incident. “Yesterday, she [Ms Maliwal] called me out of sheer anguish, describing at length her traumatic experience, and the subsequent intimidation and shaming by her colleagues. She also expressed concerns over tampering of evidence and coercion against her,” Saxena stated. Despite Maliwal’s critical stance towards him, he condemned the alleged violence and harassment she faced.

The Lieutenant Governor found it “most disturbing” that the alleged assault took place in the Chief Minister’s drawing room while he was at home. Referring to AAP MP Sanjay Singh’s initial support for Maliwal’s narrative, Saxena noted the sudden shift in the party’s stance, calling it “inexplicable and baffling”. He criticized Kejriwal’s silence on the matter, highlighting its implications for women’s safety.

Saxena emphasized the international ramifications of such incidents in Delhi, the national capital. “Such shameful incidents and the insensitive and conspiratorial government response tarnish India’s image worldwide,” he said, adding that Delhi Police is investigating the matter and assuring that it will be resolved.

In response, AAP claimed the Lieutenant Governor’s letter confirms Maliwal’s alleged alignment with the BJP. “With the elections on, the BJP is bringing a new conspiracy daily, from liquor scam to Swati Maliwal to foreign funding,” AAP stated, accusing the BJP of using the Maliwal issue to revive its electoral prospects.

Swati Maliwal, a Rajya Sabha member and former chief of the Delhi Commission for Women, alleged that Bibhav Kumar, Kejriwal’s long-time aide, assaulted her during an altercation on May 13 at the Chief Minister’s residence. An FIR has been filed, and Kumar has been arrested. Initially, AAP indicated that Kejriwal had directed strict action against his aide, but later accused the BJP of involving Maliwal in a conspiracy against the party. Delhi minister Atishi linked Maliwal’s allegations to an anti-corruption case against her, suggesting the BJP was using it to target her.

In a protest march to the BJP headquarters, Kejriwal alleged that Kumar’s arrest was part of BJP’s ‘Operation Jhadoo’ to undermine AAP. He did not directly address Maliwal’s allegations. The BJP responded, pointing out that Kejriwal did not protest for his jailed colleagues Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain but was doing so for an aide accused of assaulting a party MP.