A row erupted over the alleged physical altercation involving Swati Maliwal, an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) member and sitting MP, at the official residence of Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal.
Swati Maliwal, who served as the Chairperson of Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), on Monday claimed that she was manhandled at the Delhi Chief Minister's residence by Kejriwal's aide, Bibhav Kumar. Despite her claim, she has not lodged a police complaint against which the BJP has reacted promptly.
Several BJP spokespersons came down heavily upon the Delhi CM and said that the incident is a conspiracy to intimidate dissenters, happening in the CM's own residence. Manjinder Singh Sirsa highlighted the alleged manhandling and questioned the explanations needed to be given as to why these things keep happening in the Chief Minister's residence. He said that earlier too, the Chief Secretary and the AAP MLA were beaten up here.
Delhi BJP Chief, Virendra Sachdeva said that the alleged manhandling was because Swati Maliwal was being very outspoken and her asking pointed questions led to the altercation with Kejriwal's aide. He said that he will strongly oppose such ill-treatment to the women and added that the BJP is committed to ensuring the safety of the women of the city.
Delhi BJP Mahila Morcha, President Richa Mishra condemned the incident and said that Kejriwal should be held accountable for it. "He could not even ensure the safety of his own women workers. How can he do the same for others?" she said, adding that the Delhi L-G and the police should act against Kejriwal for allowing such violence in his residence.
Delhi BJP IT Cell Head, Amit Malviya also attacked Kejriwal over the assault allegations and hinted at something going on between Kejriwal and Swati Maliwal. He brought up her absence during Kejriwal's arrest and suggested that things were not all good between them.
The alleged assault of Swati Maliwal at the Delhi CM's residence was made further controversial by her call to the police at midnight on Monday, after which the police immediately reached the spot. Bibhav Kumar, who had been removed as Personal Secretary of the Delhi CM for his alleged misconduct, was back in the news with this development.
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