One day after defecting to the BJP, marking a significant blow to Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP, Swati Maliwal sharply criticized the ex-Delhi Chief Minister while commending Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She accused Kejriwal of engaging in thuggery and claimed that although he started his political career promising reform, he later used vast sums to construct an opulent residence, alluding to the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ scandal.
Maliwal praised Modi for making groundbreaking choices and stated that her decision to join the BJP stemmed from faith in his guidance. She voluntarily chose this path and encouraged others interested in positive governance to follow suit, as shared in an interview with a news agency.
Referring to a 2024 event where she was reportedly assaulted by Kejriwal’s aide, Bibhav Kumar, at the chief minister’s home, Maliwal explained her departure from AAP. She had collaborated with Kejriwal since 2006, backing him in various protests, but alleged he orchestrated her attack by a thug in her own residence. When she protested, she faced threats and pressure to drop the police complaint. The party also barred her from speaking in Parliament for two years, which she described as disgraceful. Maliwal labeled Kejriwal as opposed to women’s rights.
She further charged that AAP is treating Punjab, its sole governing state, as a private funding source. Those who challenge the party reportedly encounter legal actions.
Maliwal portrayed Kejriwal as synonymous with graft and bullying, contrasting him with Modi, whom she called the globe’s most admired leader. She highlighted Modi’s actions like cross-border operations against foes, curbing extremism, and advancing women’s representation in legislature, along with Home Minister Amit Shah’s contributions to national progress.
Responding to AAP’s accusations of betrayal against her and six other Rajya Sabha members who left to join BJP, Maliwal countered that Kejriwal is the true betrayer. She recalled his 2011 anti-corruption campaign, where he appeared modest with worn clothing, cheap writing tools, and a rundown vehicle. Yet, upon gaining authority, he allegedly erected a mansion valued at Rs 100 crore.
Maliwal said many were motivated by his vision of national transformation. However, she claimed he installed lavish features like a bar, expensive flooring, high-end appliances, and luxurious furniture. After losses in Delhi, she alleged AAP’s misconduct has shifted to Punjab.
She noted that her alleged assailant received top-level protection and a key advisory role under Punjab’s Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Kejriwal, once against elite privileges, now travels with an extensive convoy exceeding 50 vehicles. Maliwal defined betrayal as abandoning one’s principles, deeming Kejriwal the ultimate example.
On Friday, Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, and Ashok Mittal unexpectedly announced their resignation from AAP during a press briefing, stating seven MPs, including Maliwal and Harbhajan Singh, would align with BJP.
AAP condemned the defectors as disloyal, with Sanjay Singh attributing it to BJP’s recruitment tactics under ‘Operation Lotus.’ The party has initiated discussions on responses, including a meeting between former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and Kejriwal.
Additionally, AAP plans to petition Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan for the disqualification of the seven under anti-defection rules, noting that neither law nor constitutional provisions allow splinter groups in Parliament, regardless of majority support.
