The controversy surrounding Swati Maliwal’s claims of assault by Arvind Kejriwal’s aide, Bibhav Kumar, escalated into a heated confrontation between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Maliwal herself. Amid bitter exchanges, both parties vehemently defended their positions, accusing each other of ulterior motives and political conspiracies.
Allegations and Responses
The exchange of barbs began with AAP leader Atishi accusing Swati Maliwal of colluding with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to discredit the AAP during the general election. At a press conference, Atishi alleged that Maliwal’s claims of assault were part of a larger conspiracy orchestrated by the BJP.
In response, Swati Maliwal took to social media to condemn her alleged assaulter, Bibhav Kumar, labeling him as a “goon” and accusing him of pressuring the AAP into attacking her. Maliwal vehemently denied the AAP’s allegations, asserting her commitment to fighting for women’s rights.
Video Controversy
The feud intensified with the emergence of a 52-second video depicting Monday’s altercation between Maliwal and staffers at Kejriwal’s residence. Atishi referenced the video to challenge Maliwal’s allegations, claiming it exposed the BJP’s plan to target Kejriwal ahead of the Delhi Lok Sabha election.
However, Maliwal defended herself, insisting that the video was taken out of context and reiterated her claims of assault by Bibhav Kumar. Despite the growing controversy, Maliwal refrained from directly addressing the accusations leveled against her by the AAP.
Political Fallout
The dispute between the AAP and Maliwal evolved into a full-blown political row, with the BJP seizing the opportunity to attack Kejriwal and the AAP ahead of Delhi’s Lok Sabha polls. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticized Kejriwal for associating with Bibhav Kumar and demanded an apology.
While the Congress refrained from direct involvement, senior leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed support for women claiming assault while characterizing the issue as an internal matter for the AAP.
Conclusion
The ongoing feud between the AAP and Swati Maliwal underscores the complexities of political dynamics and personal conflicts within India’s political landscape. As allegations and counter-allegations continue to fly, the true motivations behind the controversy remain obscured by partisan agendas and power struggles.
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FAQ
What sparked the feud between the AAP and Swati Maliwal?
The feud erupted over Swati Maliwal’s allegations of assault at Arvind Kejriwal’s home, with the AAP accusing Maliwal of colluding with the BJP to discredit the party.
How did the emergence of a video impact the controversy?
The release of a video depicting the altercation between Maliwal and Kejriwal’s staffers fueled further controversy, with both sides using it to bolster their respective claims.
What is the political fallout of the dispute?
The dispute has become a political battleground, with the BJP attacking Kejriwal and the AAP ahead of Delhi’s Lok Sabha polls, while the Congress has adopted a more cautious stance.
How has Swati Maliwal responded to the allegations?
Swati Maliwal has vehemently denied the AAP’s accusations, maintaining her claims of assault and criticizing her alleged assaulter, Bibhav Kumar.
