Swati Maliwal Joins BJP, Accuses AAP of Corruption and Misogyny

Swati Maliwal, a Rajya Sabha MP, has officially joined the BJP, alleging that AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal is corrupt and anti-women. She shared her experiences of harassment within AAP and criticized the party's governance in Punjab. Maliwal's transition highlights her trust in PM Modi's leadership, contrasting it with her negative experiences in AAP. Her statements raise significant questions about the political climate in Punjab and the integrity of AAP's leadership.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 25, 2026, 14:23 IST

Swati Maliwal's Transition to BJP

On Friday, Swati Maliwal, a member of the Rajya Sabha, officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She accused Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal of being anti-women and involved in corruption and thuggery. After her induction into the BJP, Maliwal stated that her decision was not made out of necessity but stemmed from her trust in Prime Minister Modi's leadership. She encouraged all those interested in constructive politics to join the BJP.

Allegations Against AAP

While announcing her departure from AAP, Maliwal revealed that she had worked alongside Kejriwal since 2006 and supported various movements. However, she claimed to have faced harassment and pressure within the party. Maliwal alleged that she was attacked at her home, threatened for protesting, and pressured to withdraw an FIR related to the incident. She also accused the party of denying her the opportunity to speak in Parliament for two years.

Criticism of Punjab Governance

Maliwal criticized AAP's governance in Punjab, alleging that the state government is being remotely controlled, turning Punjab into a personal ATM for the party. She pointed out that issues like sand mining and drug abuse are rampant in the state, and leaders who voice opposition face FIRs. She labeled Kejriwal as synonymous with corruption and thuggery.

Comparison with PM Modi

In her remarks, Maliwal compared Kejriwal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom she described as the world's most popular leader. She praised Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their historic decisions, including the women's reservation bill and anti-terrorism initiatives.