From Rajya Sabha Pick to ‘BJP Pawn’: How Arvind Kejriwal, AAP Lost Trust in Swati Maliwal in 3 Months
Swati Maliwal: From AAP’s Rising Star to Alleged ‘BJP Pawn’ – A 3-Month Saga
19.05.2024: In January 2024, Arvind Kejriwal, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Chief Minister, nominated 39-year-old Swati Maliwal to the Rajya Sabha. This nomination came at the expense of Sushil Gupta, with the re-nomination of sitting Rajya Sabha MPs Sanjay Singh and ND Gupta. For Maliwal, a seasoned activist, it was an unprecedented honor to enter Parliament.
AAP’s Expectations from Maliwal
The AAP leadership had high hopes for Maliwal, envisioning her as the party’s female representative in Parliament. Her long-standing association with Kejriwal and his former PS Bibhav Kumar, spanning over 15 years, underscored their trust in her. By rewarding Maliwal, an outspoken and fearless advocate, the party signaled that dedication and loyalty were valued.
Political Context and Challenges
The political climate was tense with upcoming elections in Delhi, Punjab, Gujarat, Haryana, and Assam, where AAP was contesting. Key party leaders, including Sanjay Singh, Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain, and communication in-charge Vijay Nair, were already incarcerated. With Kejriwal potentially facing arrest, the party relied on Maliwal to bolster its protests and campaigns, maintaining cohesion during this turbulent period.
Maliwal’s Departure and Growing Resentment
However, in February 2024, Maliwal left for the US amidst ongoing crises within AAP. Despite suggestions to remain in India, she departed, posting on social media: “Honoured to speak at the Harvard University @HarvardIndiaCon USA, with National Award filmmaker Vibha Bakshi & @rahulsen_ on the topic ‘Building Bridges: Gender, Allyship and Social Change. #ICH2024. I thank Harvard University for this opportunity.”
Her absence extended even after Kejriwal’s arrest on March 21, intensifying internal resentment and providing the BJP with fodder to criticize AAP. Maliwal’s decision not to return compounded the party’s frustrations.
The Fallout
While other Rajya Sabha MPs from Punjab, including Raghav Chadha, were also not visibly active, Maliwal’s absence was particularly stark given her longstanding affiliation with the party. Her perceived betrayal during a critical period left a significant impact on the party’s morale and unity.
Swati Maliwal’s journey from a trusted AAP leader to being perceived as a ‘BJP pawn’ within just three months illustrates the volatility of political alliances and the high stakes involved in party loyalty. Her departure and the ensuing fallout underscore the challenges faced by the AAP as it navigates internal and external pressures amidst a politically charged environment.