As the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) grapples with former DCW chief Swati Maliwal's allegations that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's assistant misbehaved with her at the CM's residence, speculation has emerged of an ongoing rift between the party and its Rajya Sabha MP.
Maliwal was, notably, absent when when AAP staged continued protests in Delhi after Kejriwal was arrested in March.
She was, however, active on social media, posting messages in support of the party and its chief.
“I will fight against enemies of the country like you from the streets to the Parliament. I have been working with Arvind Kejriwal and will continue to do so till my last breath. What you are terming as a sinking ship has risen further due to your atrocities. Just like I troubled you for the last nine years from the Women’s Commission, be ready for the next six years as well!” Maliwal had written on X.
The first-time MP was in the US for her sister's treatment.
But even after her return towards the end of April, Maliwal was nowhere to be seen on the ground. She was even missing from the stage when Kejriwal made his first public appearance after getting released on interim bail.
The Print reported, quoting sources, that the rift was brewing for months. Kejriwal was reportedly unhappy with her prolonged absence around the time of his arrest.
Maliwal has been associated with both Kejriwal and Sisodia since the India Against Corruption movement.
Interestingly, so has Kejriwal's assistant Bibhav Kumar. He is said to have worked as a video journalist editing videos for the movement.
Kumar served as personal secretary to the Delhi chief minister until April this year, when he was removed from the post following a vigilance complaint.
What led to the fallout between Maliwal and Kumar? Does it signal a deeper rift within the AAP? For now, it's speculation at best.