Swati Maliwal says 'AAP leaders pressured' to act against her amid assault row

• Image Credit: Google

• May 22, 2024 | Guriya Khatun

Maliwal, who alleges she was assaulted by AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar at the Chief Minister's residence on May 13, further commented on the fear surrounding the "highly influential" accused, noting the reluctance of significant figures to confront him.

Digital Desk: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Swati Maliwal on Wednesday asserted that senior party officials were facing coercion to take action against her amidst the escalating political strife surrounding her alleged assault case. Maliwal disclosed that she received a call from an AAP leader who divulged that certain members of the party were being pressured to make derogatory remarks about her or to undermine her integrity by leaking personal photographs. 

In a Hindi tweet, Maliwal expressed, "Yesterday, a senior party leader called me. They revealed the immense pressure on everyone, either to tarnish my reputation with baseless accusations or to compromise my integrity by leaking my private photos. It has been insinuated that anyone supporting me will face expulsion from the party."

Without specifying names, the Rajya Sabha MP further elucidated that certain individuals had been assigned tasks such as conducting press conferences or managing social media activity. She highlighted, "Some have been tasked with contacting volunteers based in America to fabricate allegations against me. Meanwhile, certain journalists close to the accused have been tasked with concocting false sting operations." Asserting her stance, Maliwal declared, "You may mobilize an army against me, but I will confront it alone because I stand on the foundation of truth."

Maliwal, who alleges she was assaulted by AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar at the Chief Minister's residence on May 13, further commented on the fear surrounding the "highly influential" accused, noting the reluctance of significant figures to confront him. She emphasized her resolve to persist in her pursuit of justice, remarking, "I initiated this battle for dignity, and I will continue until justice is served. Though I stand alone, I shall not waver."

In a thinly veiled criticism directed at AAP leader Atishi, who recently insinuated collusion between Maliwal and the BJP in orchestrating the controversy, the MP expressed her disappointment, stating, "It saddens me that a female minister of Delhi is knowingly besmirching the reputation of a longstanding female colleague within the party."

Maliwal's tweet followed a statement by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, who criticized Arvind Kejriwal for his silence on the alleged assault controversy. Saxena affirmed that the Delhi Police is actively investigating the matter and will ensure a thorough conclusion to the case, as communicated by Raj Niwas.

Last week, Delhi Police detained Bibhav Kumar, Kejriwal's aide, following Maliwal's accusation of assault.