The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) escalated its criticism of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday in the wake of allegations of assault leveled by AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal. Party members staged a protest near Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence, demanding a thorough investigation into the incident.
During the protest, BJP leaders and workers, including activists from its Mahila Morcha, gathered outside Kejriwal's home, wielding placards and amplifying their demands through megaphones. They emphasized the need for swift action against those responsible for the alleged assault on Swati Maliwal.
Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva criticized Kejriwal's silence on the matter and called on the police to initiate a thorough probe. Sachdeva questioned the Chief Minister's lack of response, particularly since the incident occurred at his official residence, suggesting that Kejriwal's inaction raised suspicions about his involvement.
While AAP leader Sanjay Singh acknowledged the incident and assured that the Chief Minister would take strict action against those involved, the BJP criticized the AAP's handling of the situation. Sachdeva questioned the delay in addressing the issue and speculated that political pressure might have hindered Maliwal from filing a police complaint promptly.
Despite the controversy surrounding the incident, the Opposition has maintained a cautious stance, refraining from making public statements. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge remained silent when questioned about the matter, while Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav avoided addressing it directly.
In response to the incident, the National Commission for Women announced its decision to investigate and requested an 'action-taken' report from the Delhi Police within 72 hours. Additionally, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma urged the Vice President to take suo motu cognizance of the incident, expressing concerns about the safety of a Rajya Sabha MP at the Chief Minister's official residence.
While Delhi Police confirmed receiving a call from Maliwal's phone number reporting the assault, she did not file a formal complaint when she visited the police station, raising further questions about the handling of the incident.
