Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal on Wednesday, 29 April launched a sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) over alleged violence during the West Bengal elections, while also targeting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its leadership over their political conduct and recent statements.

Maliwal's Allegations Against TMC

Speaking to IANS, Maliwal alleged that disturbing visuals repeatedly emerge from West Bengal during elections, describing the pattern as systemic rather than incidental. "Very frightening pictures come out of Bengal. And this is not just about these elections; such pictures come out every time during elections," she said.

Accusing the ruling TMC of fostering a culture of intimidation, she added, "Because of this TMC's goonism that is seen on the ground, the BJP is coming to power in Bengal." The remarks come amid multiple reported incidents of alleged poll-related violence in the state, which the TMC has not yet officially responded to.

Attack on AAP and Arvind Kejriwal

Maliwal also criticised the Aam Aadmi Party for reportedly boycotting the election process in certain constituencies, questioning the political rationale behind the move. Taking a direct swipe at AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, she remarked, "Arvind Kejriwal sometimes behaves like a child. When he knows he is going to be out on zero, he takes the bat and ball and walks away."

Reacting to Kejriwal's recent letter to Delhi High Court judge Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma and his invocation of 'Satyagraha', Maliwal questioned the intent behind the move. "What kind of Satyagraha is this? where he says, 'I am not a thief, and I do not want this judge'? The cause for which Satyagraha is done must be very pure," she said, adding that such actions amount to "anarchy" and should not be part of political discourse.

Defence of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma

Maliwal strongly defended Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, emphasising the challenges faced by women in the judiciary. "Justice Swarana Kanta is a woman judge. In our country, there are few women who are judges. She would have reached that position through her own struggle. And they are defaming her," she said. Her remarks follow Kejriwal's controversial letter that named the sitting judge — a move that has drawn criticism from multiple quarters.

Remarks on AAP's Personal Attacks

On comments made by AAP Delhi President Saurabh Bhardwaj regarding Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha and his marriage to actor Parineeti Chopra, Maliwal termed such remarks as inappropriate and shameful. "No one should make such comments about anyone's personal life. Parineeti is a woman, and making such remarks about her is truly shameful," she said.

Maliwal also alleged that AAP leaders had directed personal and abusive attacks at her when she had attempted to file an FIR following an alleged physical assault. "When I was beaten up, and I tried to fight against it and file an FIR, they said extremely abusive and filthy things about my mother and my entire family," she alleged.

What This Signals

Maliwal's broadside reflects a wider BJP strategy of targeting both TMC on poll violence and AAP on governance credibility ahead of key electoral contests. With Bengal's election cycle drawing national attention and AAP facing mounting legal and political pressures, the political temperature is expected to remain elevated in the days ahead.