Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has criticized Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for his "deafening silence" regarding the alleged assault on AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter) via Raj Niwas, Saxena emphasized the need for a transparent response from Kejriwal, stating that his silence reflects poorly on his stance on women's safety.
Saxena highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that the incident allegedly took place in the Chief Minister's residence while he was present, involving his "closest aide" and a woman who was alone. This has raised concerns about women's safety and has tarnished India's image on the global stage, particularly in Delhi, which is home to the diplomatic community.
According to Saxena, Maliwal expressed her anguish to him over the phone, detailing her traumatic experience and the subsequent intimidation she faced from her colleagues. She also raised concerns about potential tampering of evidence and coercion.
In response, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) suggested that Saxena's comments imply that Maliwal is acting under the BJP's influence. The party accused the BJP of using various tactics, including the Maliwal incident, to target them ahead of the elections. AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj also criticized the BJP, questioning whether Maliwal understands that the issue is being politicized.
The controversy escalated when Delhi Police arrested Bibhav Kumar, Kejriwal's aide, following Maliwal's allegations of assault on May 13 at the Chief Minister's official residence. This incident has drawn significant attention and criticism, with calls for thorough investigation and justice for the alleged victim.
