The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) broke its silence over the alleged assault on Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal by Bibhav Kumar, a “close aide” of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Senior leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh condemned the incident at the Delhi CM’s residence and said Kejriwal had taken cognisance of the matter and called for strict action.
In a shocking claim, Maliwal on Monday alleged that she was “assaulted” by a member of Kejriwal’s personal staff at the chief minister’s official residence. Though Maliwal went to the Civil Line Police station, she didn’t file a formal complaint.
Sanjay Singh said on Tuesday that a shameful incident happened. “Yesterday morning, Maliwal had gone to Kejriwal’s residence to meet him. While she was waiting in the drawing room, Bibhav Kumar came there and misbehaved with her (Maliwal). She reported the incident to the police by calling on ‘112’. We deeply condemn this incident. Kejriwal has taken cognisance of the incident and has called for strict action in the matter,” he said.
Sanjay Singh said Maliwal had contributed a lot to society and the country. She is one of the oldest and senior most leaders of the party. “We all stand by her. The CM has taken the issue seriously and strict action will be taken in the matter. I want to make it clear that AAP does not support such people,” he added.
On the otherhand, the National Commission for Women chief Rekha Sharma expressed concern over the safety of Maliwal and wondered if the MP was under pressure not to lodge a complaint with the police. “I am worried about the safety of @SwatiJaiHind… what pressure is she under that she is unable to come forward and file a complaint with police. Be brave Swati #speakup,” she said in a post on X.
Meanwhile, Maliwal’s allegations led to ruckus in the MCD House on Tuesday, with BJP and Congress councillors storming into the well of the House, demanding Kejriwal’s resignation. Slogans such as “Kejriwal haye haye”, “Swati Maliwal ko insaaf do”, and “Kejriwal istifa do” were raised by the opposition councillors stalling the House from beginning its proceedings.