Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva criticised the Aam Aadmi Party-AAP for its handling of the alleged assault involving party’s Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal. Sachdeva accused AAP of delaying action on the complaint and suggested that efforts were underway to conceal the incident. He claimed political pressure was silencing Maliwal, hindering a fair investigation into the matter.
Virendra Sachdeva said, “It took 36 hours for AAP leader Sanjay Singh to say that the party has taken cognisance of the matter” after “a woman has alleged assault in the Delhi Chief Minister’s residence… This shows how insensitive the AAP is.”
Furthermore Sachdeva alleged, “It is clear that efforts are being made to whitewash the matter. Swati Maliwal is being silenced due to political pressure and all efforts are made to cover the case. Bibhav Kumar was a personal assistant to Arvind Kejriwal. All the work was handled by him. He could not have done this all himself, who instigated him, who gave directions; all these things should be investigated.”
Sachdeva pointed out that despite Swati Maliwal’s typically outspoken nature, her silence on the incident indicates significant pressure. He criticised Sanjay Singh for acknowledging the alleged assault after a 36-hour delay, asserting that immediate police involvement should have been pursued.
“Any such incident in Delhi or elsewhere demands swift action,” Sachdeva asserted further lambasting the AAP, “We perceive AAP’s character as repeatedly exhibiting criminal tendencies.” Sachdeva stressed on the necessity of a thorough investigation and advocated for stringent action against both the perpetrators of the assault and those who incited them.
Naveen Jaihind, Swati Maliwal’s former husband, asserted that her life is in jeopardy and criticised AAP leader Sanjay Singh for his dramas in front of the cameras, suggesting he’s fully aware of the situation. Jaihind implied that Maliwal’s ordeal was premeditated and urged her to speak up. He further alleged that the assault on her was orchestrated by someone else. Meanwhile, Delhi Police disclosed that Swati Maliwal has not yet filed a complaint, prompting them to wait for her response before taking further action.
The BJP initiated a censure motion at the Municipal Corporation of Delhi House in response to Swati Maliwal’s allegations of assault by Arvind Kejriwal’s personal assistant at the Chief Minister’s residence. On Monday, Delhi Police confirmed they had not yet received any formal complaint regarding the alleged assault. These developments coincide closely with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the National Capital and follow Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s release from jail, with the Supreme Court granting him interim bail until June 1. With all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi set to vote on May 25, the Aam Aadmi Party and Congress are jointly contesting, with AAP aiming for 4 seats and Congress for 3, as per their electoral arrangement.
