In a sharp rebuke to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal, Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal has lashed out at him after his defeat in the Delhi Election. She even accused him of hypocrisy and failing to stand up for women’s safety in the party. 

Speaking candidly on the sidelines of the Delhi Assembly election results, Maliwal targeted Kejriwal, saying, “Pride and ego do not last longer. Ravan’s ego was destroyed, and he is just Arvind Kejriwal’s.” She emphasised that Delhi, under his leadership, had become a “waste bin,” plagued by problems like water and air pollution, and deteriorating infrastructure. Maliwal claimed that these issues, coupled with Kejriwal’s loss of credibility, contributed to his defeat in the election.

Maliwal, a prominent women’s rights activist, did not shy away from calling out Kejriwal for his handling of the allegations against Kumar. "They think that they can lie and people will believe them," she said, adding that she had been assaulted and sexually assaulted, with no support from the AAP leadership. She further pointed out the discrepancy between Kejriwal’s past promises and his current actions, stating, “Those who earlier said they didn’t want big houses, security, and cars are now living in Sheesh Mahal, enjoying Z-level security.”

Maliwal went on to congratulate the BJP for its victory in the Delhi elections, stating, “I congratulate the BJP. People have voted for them with hope—and they should work to fulfill that.” She also referenced her “Draupadi Cheer Haran” post, where she shared her experience of being assaulted, stating, “I just want to say, God is there and He is with the women out there.”

Earlier referring to Kejriwal’s public support for Kumar, who was accused of assaulting her at Kejriwal’s official residence in May 2023, Maliwal claimed, “You have crossed all limits of shamelessness. The goon who attacked me in your presence at your residence, you hired the most expensive army of lawyers to save him. Even when he was in jail, you held multiple press conferences in his defence.” 

Maliwal’s accusations didn’t stop there. She expressed her disappointment with the lack of action within the party, claiming that Kejriwal’s failure to stand up for her as a woman leader reflected the party’s disregard for women’s safety. “If someone cannot take a stand for his party's female MP, how will he take a stand for the women of Delhi?” she said.