Swati Maliwal’s Presence at the Swearing-in Event Raises Questions

Swati Maliwal, Rajya Sabha MP and former Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief, attended the swearing-in ceremony of Delhi’s new Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday. With the BJP returning to power in Delhi after 27 years, her presence at the event has fueled speculation about her next political move.

Maliwal, who has been in a long-standing dispute with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership, welcomed Rekha Gupta, Delhi’s fourth woman Chief Minister, at Ramlila Maidan before joining her on stage. Congress leader Devendra Yadav was also present at the event.

Top BJP Leaders & Dignitaries in Attendance

The oath-taking ceremony saw the presence of several top political figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President JP Nadda, Union Ministers, and other key dignitaries.

Swati Maliwal’s Attack on Arvind Kejriwal

On the sidelines of the event, Maliwal criticized AAP chief and former CM Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of betraying the anti-corruption movement that brought him to power.

“It is shameful that Arvind Kejriwal, who built his political career fighting corruption, has now completely abandoned the cause,” she told news agency ANI.

CAG Report on Excise Policy Scam

Maliwal also urged the new BJP-led Delhi government to table the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report in the Assembly. The report allegedly exposes irregularities in the Delhi Excise Policy, causing a revenue loss of ₹2,026 crore under the Kejriwal administration. The findings highlight lack of transparency in pricing and violations in the issuance of liquor licenses.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously assured the public that the report would be presented in the first session of the newly elected Assembly.

AAP’s Allegations & Swati Maliwal’s Rift

Maliwal’s conflict with AAP leadership began in May last year when she accused Bibhav Kumar, Arvind Kejriwal’s close aide, of physically assaulting her at the CM’s residence. Since then, she has continued to criticize Kejriwal and the party during elections in Delhi and Haryana.

However, AAP has dismissed her claims, accusing her of being a BJP agent.

Demand for Dalit Leadership in Delhi Assembly

Just a day before the oath ceremony, Maliwal wrote to Kejriwal, urging him to appoint a Dalit Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly as a tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. She reminded Kejriwal of his unfulfilled promise from three years ago, where he had assured Punjab voters of appointing a Dalit Deputy CM.

As political tensions within AAP continue to rise, Maliwal’s appearance at the BJP-led swearing-in ceremony has sparked debates about her future political affiliations.