Swati Maliwal, an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP, has become a powerful voice in Delhi’s politics. Though she did not contest the Delhi elections, she became a key figure amid AAP’s apparent defeat. Despite her strained relationship with the party leadership, Maliwal didn’t miss an opportunity to speak out. As AAP faced a setback in the election, she posted a picture of Draupadi’s cheerharan on social media. This image symbolized her position as the “real winner” amid the turmoil. Social media quickly buzzed with memes highlighting her defiance.
The Alleged Assault: A Turning Point
In May 2024, Maliwal’s story took a dramatic turn. She claimed that during a visit to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence, his personal assistant, Bibhav Kumar, allegedly slapped her multiple times, punched her, and even dragged her across the room. She also said her calls for help went unanswered.
The following day, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh condemned the alleged assault, promising strict action. However, just three days later, Atishi, another AAP leader, dismissed Maliwal’s claims. This response left Maliwal feeling betrayed and isolated within the party.
Raising Concerns About Delhi’s Civic Issues
Despite not contesting the elections, Maliwal became a vocal critic of AAP's governance. She focused on Delhi’s growing problems, like piles of garbage, waterlogged streets, and unsanitary living conditions. Maliwal toured areas like Vikaspuri and Burari, documenting the city’s issues. Her videos spread quickly on social media, making her a visible figure in the election season.
Taking Action: Maliwal Challenges Kejriwal
On February 3, Maliwal took her protest to Kejriwal’s doorstep. With a group of Purvanchal women, she brought water from the polluted Yamuna River to his residence. She accused Kejriwal of ignoring the river’s state while living in luxury. Maliwal challenged him to take a dip in the polluted water, saying, “Arvind Kejriwal has turned the Yamuna into a drain. Black, dirty, rotten water is flowing in Yamuna. The river is on a ventilator, while Arvind Kejriwal is in his palace, roaming around in luxurious cars.”
Maliwal continued her protest by cleaning up garbage outside Kejriwal’s residence, further emphasizing her criticism of AAP’s failure to address environmental issues.
Maliwal didn’t stop at criticizing Delhi’s civic issues. She also condemned AAP’s internal politics. After the party’s disappointing performance in the Haryana Assembly elections, Maliwal accused Kejriwal of using the elections to seek revenge on Congress. She said, “He came to Haryana only to take revenge on Congress. He falsely accused me of being a BJP agent, and today he himself is betraying the India Alliance and cutting off the votes of INC!” Her posts on social media sparked further debates about AAP’s political strategy.
Accusations About the Women’s Panel
Maliwal also took aim at AAP’s handling of the Delhi Commission for Women. As its former head, she claimed that Kejriwal’s ministers had weakened the institution. She wrote to Kejriwal, accusing his government of undermining the panel’s work and failing to address women’s issues effectively.
Swati Maliwal’s political journey has been marked by controversy and defiance. From her accusations against
AAP leaders to her vocal criticisms of the party’s governance, she has positioned herself as a fierce advocate for justice. Despite being sidelined by the AAP leadership, Maliwal continues to hold them accountable, making her an influential figure in Delhi’s political landscape.
