Explained: AAP, Swati Maliwal war of words over Atishi-Afzal Guru
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday suggested that Swati Maliwal should resign as the party's Rajya Sabha member. The party accused her of reading a "script" given by the Bharatiya Janata Party. The suggestion came after Maliwal criticized the AAP for choosing Atishi as Arvind Kejriwal's successor. She pointed out that Atishi's parents were among those who signed a letter seeking a presidential pardon for Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, who was hanged in February 2013.
Maliwal criticizes AAP's choice for Delhi CM
After the announcement that Atishi will take over as the CM, Maliwal posted on X, "It is a sorrowful day for Delhi. A woman, whose parents fought to save terrorist Afzal Guru, is being made chief minister." She further claimed that Atishi's parents believed Guru was innocent and framed as part of a political conspiracy. "While Atishi will be a 'Dummy CM,' this matter pertains to national security," she added.
AAP MLA accuses Maliwal of following BJP's script
In response to Maliwal's criticism, AAP MLA Dilip Pandey accused her of reading from a script provided by the BJP. He stated, "Swati Maliwal got her Rajya Sabha ticket from the AAP but her script comes from the BJP. If she has some shame, she should resign from Rajya Sabha and get elected on a BJP ticket." This comes amid an alread strained relationship between the AAP and Maliwal.
Maliwal's assault allegation against Kejriwal's former assistant
The relationship between Maliwal and the AAP has been tense since she accused Bibhav Kumar, Kejriwal's former private assistant, of assaulting her at the CM's residence. She claimed that Kejriwal was present during this alleged assault by Kumar, who is currently out on bail. This incident occurred while Kejriwal was serving his third term as Delhi CM and had interim bail in a liquor policy case.
Kejriwal's surprise resignation announcement
To recall, on Sunday, Kejriwal surprised everyone by announcing his intention to resign as chief minister "in 48 hours" and only accept the post again after receiving a "certificate of honesty" from the public. This announcement came two days after the Supreme Court granted him bail in a liquor policy case. Delhi is set to hold assembly elections in February, with Atishi now positioned as Kejriwal's successor for the chief minister role.
