Swati Maliwal, who is a notable member of the Rajya Sabha, seems to be in a clash with Delhi’s new CM Atishi. Maliwal opposes Atisihi’s appointment as CM replacing Arvind Kejriwal. The 39-year-old has accused that the latter’s parents had written mercy petitions to Afzal Guru, convicted for his role in the 2001 Parliament attack case. The controversy attracted considerable attention and debate within AAP ranks.
A tussle continues over a tweet by Maliwal in which she referred to Atishi as a “dummy CM”. The tweet also expressed grave reservations over her appointment. Swati calls it a sad day for India as Atishi takes over as Delhi’s new CM. Her statement reads:
“Today is a very sad day for Delhi & India”.
Maliwal’s relations with AAP and its national convenor Arvind Kejriwal have been long excellent, but recent events show rising friction. She earlier levelled an assault charge against Kejriwal’s close aide, Bibhav Kumar. It escalated in May when Kumar was arrested but released on bail. AAP responded by saying that these were allegations born out of a BJP-led conspiracy.
Dilip Pandey criticises Swati Maliwal: Maliwal opposes Atisihi’s appointment as CM
Meanwhile, as Atishi takes over as Delhi’s CM in place of Kejriwal, she hopes to see Kejriwal return as Chief Minister of Delhi in the approaching election. Atishi has asserted that she shares the party’s vision. She has invited Delhi voters to vote for her in the next election. Atishi has come in support of Kejriwal over graft charges concerning the liquor scam in which he was arrested multiple times in 2024.
AAP’s party whip Dilip Pandey criticises Maliwal for her comments on why Atishi can’t become the Chief Minister of Delhi. “I’m depressed with the statements,” he said adding Maliwal should quit the seat of Rajya Sabha. He emphasises her resignation as it is more in the interest of BJP than AAP. It is a sharp internal conflict in AAP especially around Maliwal.
As Dilip criticises Maliwal, his sharp response seems to provoke this: Maliwal should ask for a BJP ticket. He said it was right if she would resign if she had any “shame”. His bluntness speaks of the rising tension within the party since Atishi took over as Delhi’s new CM.
Atishi had been a much-contentious CM’s pick. She has taken up an important role in governance in Delhi. She was given crucial portfolios like Public Works even after key members of AAP were arrested. Nevertheless, the leadership AAP still reposes faith in Atishi which reflects her significance above and beyond the Assembly elections in February 2025.
The situation has worsened due to party conflict, along with external pressure. Indulgence by Pandey in beating up Maliwal and the emergence of Atishi depict the struggle AAP is undergoing to gain the confidence of the voters in the election soon to take place.
Also, see: Delhi CM resigns just two days after bail in the liquor policy case: Who will take over?