Maliwal Criticizes 'Z-plus' Security for Bibhav; Labels Kejriwal 'Ravan' in Land of 'Sadhus'

New Delhi, Jan 24 (NationPress) AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal has raised questions regarding the 'Z-plus' security assigned to Bibhav Kumar, launching serious accusations against former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. She alleged that Kejriwal was behind the assault she endured from his aide last year.

In an exclusive interview with IANS, Maliwal expressed her astonishment and frustration over the security granted to Kumar, whom she claims violently attacked her in Kejriwal's official residence. She stated that the former Chief Minister's protection of a 'mere goon' and his continuous promotion of him suggest a wider conspiracy at play.

She remarked, 'It has been heard that the same goon, Bibhav Kumar, who mercilessly dragged me and beat me in Arvind Kejriwal's drawing room, has been given Z-plus security by the Punjab government. After all these months, I believe from my heart that Arvind Kejriwal got me beaten up. If it wasn’t so, why would he protect this man so much and promote him repeatedly?'

Maliwal’s remarks came after an announcement that Kumar, despite being branded a 'goon' by the Supreme Court, has gained significant political influence.

She asserted that after being barred by the court from holding key positions, Kumar was appointed as Chief Advisor to the Punjab Chief Minister, earning a salary surpassing that of Cabinet ministers.

Maliwal criticized the Punjab government for granting Z-plus security to Kumar, labeling it an excessive measure typically reserved for high-ranking officials.

'What has this goon done to deserve Z-plus security?' Maliwal questioned.

'Seventy police commandos, government vehicles, fire brigade, and ambulances — all will follow him. This disrupts traffic and creates chaos. It is unimaginable for someone like him to be given such importance. And yet, Arvind Kejriwal has not only protected him but also ensured he gets everything he wants,' she added.

Maliwal further accused Kejriwal of meddling in her personal and professional affairs, claiming he pressured senior MP ND Gupta to vacate a government bungalow in Lutyens’ Delhi, which was then unlawfully occupied by Kumar for months.

'This is what Arvind Kejriwal’s ‘Mahila Samman Yojana’ looks like,' she remarked sarcastically.

Stressing that she is fighting this battle solo, Maliwal condemned Kejriwal, labeling him a hypocrite who conceals his true persona.

'Arvind Kejriwal is a very big Ravan in a country of sadhus. Despite all the efforts to break me, intimidate me, and force me into submission, I will not lose courage. I will fight for the truth till the end,' she stated.

Maliwal, who has collaborated with Kejriwal since 2006, reminisced about the years they spent advocating for shared causes. She pointed out that Kejriwal had himself noted in his book 'Swaraj' that two individuals were pivotal in his journey — one being Manish Sisodia and the other, Swati Maliwal.

'A woman who has struggled with you since 2006 is beaten up and instead of standing by her, you support the goon who assaulted her,' she said.

She also criticized Kejriwal’s position on women’s issues, questioning how he could label himself a proponent of women’s rights while defending someone who harmed her.

'How can someone who claims to respect women, protect the very man who hurt me?' she asked.

Maliwal vowed to persist in her fight for justice, declaring, 'I am not afraid. I will keep fighting, even if I am alone in this.'