High-Voltage Drama Unfolds: Swati Maliwal Case in Delhi

New Delhi, May 15, 2024—A high-voltage drama erupted at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence in north Delhi, involving Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal.

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal was harassed by party boss Arvind Kejriwal’s personal assistant; he “misbehaved” with her at the Delhi Chief Minister’s city residence, party leader Sanjay Singh said Tuesday, a day after unconfirmed reports said she had been assaulted by the staffer in question.

Mr. Singh called the incident “highly condemnable” and said Chief Minister Kejriwal, who has been hammered by rival BJP and on-paper allies Congress since the news broke, “will take strict action.”.

“A very distressing incident took place yesterday morning. Arvind Kejriwal had called Swati Maliwal for a meeting. She was waiting in the drawing room to meet him when Bibhav Kumar came in and misbehaved with her. After this, Ms. Maliwal called the police and told them what happened.”

Who is Kejriwal’s PA, Bibhav Kumar?

Bibhav Kumar, also known as Kejriwal’s Man Friday, has been a trusted aide to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. His role extends beyond mere administrative tasks; he keeps track of Kejriwal’s meetings, diet, medications, and even the vehicles the CM travels in. Kumar’s close association with Kejriwal dates back to the early 2000s, when he worked as a video editor for a magazine associated with the India Against Corruption movement, which later transformed into the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Despite his dismissal due to an “illegal appointment,” Kumar remains a significant figure in Kejriwal’s inner circle.

Claimed by Swati Maliwal

• Assault Claim: Swati Maliwal claimed in a PCR call that she had been assaulted by Kejriwal’s personal assistant, Bibhav, allegedly acting on Kejriwal’s instructions.
• Police Involvement: The police were alerted and arrived at the scene. Later, Maliwal went to the Civil Lines police station to file an FIR but reportedly left without doing so.
• Falling Out: Bibhav and Swati have been associated with Kejriwal since his NGO days, and their falling out has left a large section within AAP dismayed.

AAP’s Response

• Another AAP Rajya Sabha member confirmed the incident, condemning Bibhav’s behavior. Kejriwal has taken cognizance of the matter and pledged strict action.
• Sanjay Singh, addressing the issue at a press conference, praised Maliwal’s work for the country and society, emphasizing that the party stands with her.

#WATCH | AAP MP Sanjay Singh says, "Yesterday an incident took place. At the residence of Arvind Kejriwal incident of misbehaviour took place with Swati Maliwal by Vibhav Kumar (Arvind Kejriwal's PA). Swati Maliwal has informed about this incident to the Delhi Police. This is a… pic.twitter.com/l7Hbk4CKEM

— ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2024

BJP’s Stance

• The BJP questioned the delay in making arrests and why pressure was put on Maliwal to remain silent. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva demanded a prompt FIR based on Sanjay Singh’s statement.

Mr. Singh’s statement has been attacked swiftly by the BJP. The party’s Delhi boss, Virendra Sachdeva, said, “Why were they silent for 36 hours? Where was the Chief Minister? A Rajya Sabha MP… that too a woman… was misbehaved with at Mr. Kejriwal’s home, and you are taking cognizance only now?”

#WATCH | Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva says, "We know that Vibhav Kumar is Arvind Kejriwal's associate and handles all his work…Who insighted him? Who gave him the directions? All this should be investigated…It would have been better if Sanjay Singh himself went to… https://t.co/j1M6uh6vDS pic.twitter.com/GnnguiItwR

— ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2024

This incident adds tension as Kejriwal prepares for the upcoming poll campaign, and both parties grapple with the fallout from this internal strife

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