Swati Maliwal’s journey from a loyal Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader to one of its most vocal internal critics is nothing short of remarkable. Once a trusted ally of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, her trajectory has been marked by dramatic twists, conflicts, and a reinvention that has positioned her as a formidable political figure. While she did not contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, her presence loomed large over the political landscape, particularly in Delhi, where AAP suffered a humiliating defeat. Maliwal may not have been a candidate, but she emerged as one of the biggest winners—not in electoral terms, but in relevance, visibility, and political influence.
Her social media post featuring Draupadi’s cheerharan was a powerful symbol, igniting discussions about betrayal, injustice, and the power dynamics within AAP. It was more than just an expression of grievance; it was a strategic move that resonated deeply with those who perceived her as a victim of the party’s internal power struggles. The post went viral, and suddenly, Maliwal became a trending topic, with supporters and critics alike analyzing her role in AAP’s debacle.
The defining moment of her break from the party’s leadership came in May 2024, when she made shocking allegations against Bibhav Kumar, Kejriwal’s personal assistant. She accused him of slapping her multiple times, punching her, and dragging her across a room at the Chief Minister’s official residence. These were not just allegations of physical assault; they also exposed a deeper crisis within AAP—a party that had built its foundation on the promise of transparency, accountability, and justice. Maliwal’s claims sent shockwaves through political circles, and reactions were swift but divided.
Initially, AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh condemned the alleged attack and assured that strict action would be taken against Bibhav Kumar. However, within days, the party’s stance shifted dramatically. Atishi, a senior AAP leader, dismissed Maliwal’s allegations outright in a press conference, signaling that the party was closing ranks around Kejriwal and his close aides. This reversal further fueled suspicions that Maliwal’s ordeal was being brushed aside for political expediency.
Rather than retreating, Maliwal doubled down. She took her fight beyond the internal corridors of AAP and into the public domain, effectively using social media and on-ground activism to challenge the party’s governance. As Delhi’s residents struggled with issues like waterlogging, garbage accumulation, and deteriorating civic conditions, Maliwal seized the opportunity to highlight these failures. She visited various parts of the city, from Vikaspuri to Burari, documenting the realities on the ground. With cameras following her every move, she ensured that her criticisms reached a wider audience. Her videos, exposing the city’s filth and infrastructural decay, spread like wildfire across social media, further denting AAP’s already crumbling reputation.
One of her most high-profile acts of defiance came on February 3, when she took her battle directly to Kejriwal’s doorstep. Accompanied by a group of women from Purvanchal, Maliwal arrived at the Chief Minister’s residence carrying water from the heavily polluted Yamuna River. This was no ordinary protest—it was a carefully orchestrated act designed to put Kejriwal on the defensive. Addressing the media, she accused him of living in luxury while the Yamuna, a crucial water source for millions, had turned into a toxic drain.
“Arvind Kejriwal has turned the Yamuna into a drain. Black, dirty, rotten water is flowing in Yamuna. The river is on a ventilator, while Arvind Kejriwal is in his palace, roaming around in luxurious cars. Thousands of women from Purvanchal have come here to challenge him—he should not be so scared of women. He should come out, take a dip in the dirty water of Yamuna, and take a sip of that water,” Maliwal declared, as reported by ANI.
This bold confrontation sent a clear message: Swati Maliwal was no longer willing to be a silent spectator. She was positioning herself as an independent force, someone unafraid to challenge Kejriwal’s leadership head-on. Her protest was widely covered by the media, reinforcing the perception that she was emerging as an alternative voice within AAP—one that represented the disillusioned, those who had once believed in the party’s ideals but now felt betrayed.
Maliwal’s activism didn’t stop there. She continued to hold AAP accountable for its electoral failures, particularly in Haryana. In the aftermath of AAP’s poor performance in the Haryana Assembly elections, she accused the party leadership of playing “revenge politics” against Congress, which ultimately backfired.
“He came to Haryana only to take revenge on Congress. He falsely accused me of being a BJP agent, and today he himself is betraying the India Alliance and cutting off the votes of INC!” Maliwal posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Her remarks highlighted the shifting alliances and internal contradictions within AAP’s strategy. By calling out Kejriwal for undermining the Congress—the very party that AAP was supposed to be aligning with under the INDIA bloc—she effectively exposed the political games being played behind the scenes.
Maliwal’s dissatisfaction with AAP wasn’t just limited to electoral politics. As the former chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women, she had previously raised concerns about how AAP was undermining institutions meant to protect and empower women. She had written to Kejriwal, accusing his ministers of weakening the women’s commission, an allegation that further distanced her from the party’s leadership.
Given her vocal criticism, many have questioned why she continues to hold a Rajya Sabha seat under AAP’s banner. During an interview with India Today TV, she was asked why she hadn’t resigned if she believed AAP had failed on so many fronts. Her response was defiant and telling:
"Why should I walk away from my party? I have given my blood and sweat to the party for 18 years. I will question whatever is wrong," Maliwal said.
Her statement made it clear that she still saw herself as part of AAP—not as a follower of Kejriwal’s leadership, but as someone who wanted to reclaim the party’s original vision. Rather than stepping aside, she was determined to fight from within, holding the leadership accountable and pushing for reforms.
As AAP grapples with its electoral setbacks and internal strife, the question of Swati Maliwal’s future remains open-ended. Will she continue her battle within the party, or will she eventually break away to carve out an independent political identity? There is also the possibility that she could align with another party, given her rising stature and the visibility she has gained. Regardless of which path she chooses, her political trajectory is on an upward curve.
What makes Maliwal’s rise even more fascinating is that she has managed to stay relevant without the backing of a powerful political machinery. Unlike traditional politicians, she has leveraged social media, grassroots activism, and public confrontations to maintain her prominence. This makes her a unique figure in Indian politics—one who can influence narratives even without formal electoral victories.
The Aam Aadmi Party, which once prided itself on being a party of the people, now finds itself in a precarious position. With leaders like Swati Maliwal challenging its leadership from within, AAP faces an existential crisis. Does it double down on Kejriwal’s authority, or does it make room for voices like Maliwal’s that demand accountability and change?
As the dust settles from the 2024 elections, one thing is clear: Swati Maliwal is not just a dissenter within AAP—she is a political force in her own right. Whether she reshapes AAP from within or emerges as a formidable leader outside the party, her influence is only set to grow.
