A personal aide of Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Chief Minister and National Convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has been arrested for allegedly beating Swati Maliwal, a Rajya Sabha member of the AAP. Ms. Maliwal’s accusations against Bibhav Kumar, an aide, are serious. In a public statement, she stated that Mr. Kumar “brutally” beat her, slapping and kicking her. On May 14, AAP leader Sanjay Singh accused an assistant of “misbehaving” and “acting indecently” with Maliwal during a meeting at Kejriwal’s official residence. Mr. Singh stated that Mr. Kejriwal was aware of the event and would take “strict action” in response. However, the events did not follow this pattern. The AAP did not take action against Mr. Kumar, but Ms. Maliwal filed a police report, resulting in his detention. The AAP has abruptly accused Maliwal, a long-time colleague of Mr. Kejriwal, of being a “pawn” of the BJP. The Congress has reminded Mr. Kejriwal that he previously advocated for rules that prioritised a woman’s statements in cases of assault.
The truth cannot be determined by media trials or political debates. A skilled and fair investigation can. The probe should not be influenced by the BJP’s control over the Delhi police force. The BJP’s attitude to severe allegations against Prajwal Revanna, a sitting MP from its ally Janata Dal (Secular), is disingenuous, given their lack of response. Mr. Kejriwal must also address the matter. Continuing silent or making hyperbolic accusations against the BJP is not effective.
The AAP, which gained popularity as a response to India’s political stagnation, is now facing the same accusations as other parties, including corruption, nepotism, authoritarianism, and toxic masculinity. Despite being in operation for nearly a decade, it is not subject to public scrutiny or accountability. The organisation lacks decision-making structures and relies on arbitrary measures. Regardless of the outcome of the Maliwal case, and notwithstanding the BJP’s use of enforcement forces for political ends, the AAP should reflect on its actions.
ABHISHEK VERMA
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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