On Thursday, Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal launched a pointed critique against former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. She accused them of empowering controversial figures and undermining governance in Punjab.
Taking to X, Maliwal posted, “For beating me up, Arvind Kejriwal ji has given huge rewards to his beloved goon Bibhav Kumar. He now occupies the top administrative post in Punjab as Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister.”
Kumar, previously accused of assaulting Maliwal, now holds a position where key state officials, including the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) and Chief Secretary, report to him.
Allegations Of Favoritism & Mismanagement
Maliwal accused Punjab’s AAP leadership of failing to act independently. She claimed that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is heavily influenced by Kejriwal, reducing him to a mere ‘rubber stamp’.
“The talented youth of Punjab are leaving the country while goons are being showered with salaries in lakhs, luxury cars, bungalows, and servants,” Maliwal stated.
Eviction Controversy
Maliwal also accused Kumar of illegally receiving the government bungalow at 10, Feroz Shah Road, which was originally allotted to senior MP ND Gupta.
Additionally, the MP questioned how a person with a ‘goon’ label by the Supreme Court could hold such a high-profile role.
She further stated, “This goon is living in Gupta ji’s house, forcibly taken from him at his age. How can a person labeled a goon by the Supreme Court be given such privileges, violating his bail conditions? Just imagine how many secrets this man must be hiding.”
Concerns Over Women’s Safety
Swati Maliwal raised broader concerns about the safety of women in Punjab under the alleged influence of individuals like Kumar.
Maliwal questioned, “If goons run the Punjab government, how will women in the state feel secure? Bhagwant Mann ji, you too have sisters and daughters at home. A Chief Minister must not allow himself to be reduced to a mere rubber stamp.”
Allegations Background
Bibhav Kumar, a long-time aide of Kejriwal, arrested in May for allegedly assaulting Maliwal at the Delhi Chief Minister’s residence.
The Supreme Court granted him bail after he spent over 100 days in judicial custody.
Despite his legal troubles, Kumar has retained a prominent role within AAP’s administration, stirring criticism from opposition figures and activists.
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