Swati Maliwal's decision to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Delhi’s new Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has sparked intense political speculation, especially as tensions between her and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) continue to escalate. With the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reclaiming power in the national capital after 27 years, Maliwal's public alignment with the event and her presence on stage alongside BJP leaders has raised questions about her next political move. Many observers believe this could be a precursor to her formally distancing herself from AAP and potentially joining hands with the BJP or adopting a more independent political stance.
At the ceremony, held at Ramlila Maidan, Maliwal greeted Gupta warmly upon her arrival and later took the stage alongside key dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President JP Nadda, and several Union ministers and chief ministers. Congress leader Devendra Yadav was also present, further adding to the political intrigue. While Maliwal’s attendance itself was significant, her strong statements against AAP chief and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal further fueled speculation about her shifting loyalties.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Maliwal did not hold back in her criticism of Kejriwal, accusing him of betraying the very anti-corruption movement that had propelled him into power. She remarked, “How shameful it is that Arvind Kejriwal betrayed the movement he started—he became the Chief Minister with his fight against corruption and had started such a massive movement.” Her words echoed the long-standing criticism that AAP, which emerged from the India Against Corruption movement, had deviated from its founding principles.
Maliwal also turned up the heat on the Kejriwal-led Delhi government, demanding that it present the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report in the Assembly. The report, which reportedly highlights irregularities in the excise policy during Kejriwal’s tenure, has alleged that the Delhi government incurred a revenue loss of ₹2,026 crore due to a lack of transparency in pricing and violations in the issuance of liquor licenses. This has been one of the major controversies surrounding AAP, with the excise policy case leading to arrests and legal troubles for several party leaders, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. Maliwal’s insistence on accountability in this matter aligns with the BJP’s attack on AAP over corruption allegations.
Adding another layer to her ongoing feud with AAP, on Wednesday, Maliwal wrote a letter to Kejriwal urging him to appoint a Dalit Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly as a tribute to BR Ambedkar. In her letter, she reminded Kejriwal of an unfulfilled promise he had made three years ago, where he pledged to appoint a Dalit Deputy Chief Minister in Punjab. "If you really want to pay tribute to Babasaheb Ambedkar, you should appoint a Dalit Leader of the Opposition," she wrote. Her statement not only put Kejriwal in a tough position but also signaled her willingness to challenge AAP leadership on issues of representation and social justice, themes that BJP has also sought to emphasize in recent elections.
Maliwal’s rift with AAP first became public in May last year when she accused Bibhav Kumar, a close aide of Kejriwal, of physically assaulting her at the Chief Minister’s residence. This shocking revelation led to a major controversy, with Maliwal alleging that she was humiliated and mistreated by AAP’s top leadership. While AAP dismissed her allegations and accused her of working at the behest of the BJP, her relationship with the party continued to deteriorate. Over time, she became more vocal in her criticisms, especially during the Haryana and Delhi elections, where she frequently took jabs at Kejriwal and his governance.
AAP, on the other hand, has strongly pushed back against Maliwal’s recent moves, alleging that she is acting as a BJP agent. The party claims that her continued attacks on Kejriwal and her presence at BJP-led events indicate a political realignment. While Maliwal has not made any official announcement about joining the BJP, her recent actions suggest a deliberate distancing from AAP and an increasing alignment with narratives often championed by the BJP.
Political analysts believe that Maliwal, who once played a crucial role in AAP’s fight for women’s rights and governance reforms, is now at a crossroads in her political journey. If she chooses to formally align with the BJP, it could be seen as a significant blow to AAP, especially given her past credibility as a women’s rights activist and her tenure as the chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women. However, if she decides to chart an independent political path, she could emerge as a strong voice against both AAP and BJP, positioning herself as a crusader for accountability and governance reforms.
As Delhi’s political landscape undergoes a major transformation with the BJP’s return to power, Maliwal’s next move will be closely watched. Will she take the plunge and formally join BJP? Or will she continue as an independent political figure, challenging both AAP and BJP on governance issues? Whatever her decision, it is clear that she is no longer aligned with AAP, and her political future will play a crucial role in shaping the next phase of Delhi’s political discourse.
