Delhivery’s revenue growth and drone research plans, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s appeal in Raebareli, Bandhan Bank’s declining net profit, AAP’s rejection of Maliwal’s allegations against Kejriwal’s aide, and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders’ stock rally are some of the major news stories of the day.
Senior Delhi Police officials and a forensic team have arrived at the residence of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as part of an investigation into the alleged assault on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Swati Maliwal. Led by Additional DCP (North) Anjitha Chepyala, the team comprises three police officers and five forensic experts.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has criticized Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for his silence on the alleged assault of AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal by a personal staff member. Sitharaman accused the AAP of being anti-women, citing other instances of alleged attacks against women by its leaders. The controversy erupted ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and has sparked outrage among opposition parties.
As campaigning ramps up for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, major political parties – the BJP, Congress, and AAP – have released their respective lists of ‘guarantees’ to attract voters. These guarantees cover a wide range of issues such as unemployment, inflation, healthcare, education, agriculture, and corruption. The BJP’s ‘Modi ki Guarantee’ emphasizes continuing and expanding existing government schemes, while the Congress’ ‘Paanch Nyay’ focuses on introducing new policies and fulfilling popular demands. The AAP’s ‘Kejriwal ki 10 Guarantee’ draws inspiration from its governance model in Delhi, promising free utilities, employment, and other benefits. A Lokniti-CSDS pre-poll survey reveals that unemployment and price rise are key concerns for voters, while corruption and class divide are also pressing issues. The guarantees offered by the parties address these concerns to varying degrees.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal has filed an FIR against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s personal assistant, Bibhav Kumar, alleging that she was physically assaulted by him. Maliwal has accused Kumar of slapping, hitting her on the stomach, and kicking her. The incident has sparked outrage and condemnation from political leaders and activists.
Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged assault on AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has raised questions about the involvement of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the silence of the AAP alliance. BJP members have demanded an investigation into the incident, which occurred at the Chief Minister’s residence, and have accused Kejriwal of inaction. The party has also highlighted the lack of an FIR being filed and the pressure being exerted on the victim.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly condemned the alleged assault on Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal by an aide of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. According to Maliwal, the incident occurred in the presence of Kejriwal himself. BJP leaders Bansuri Swaraj and Anurag Thakur have criticized the incident, questioning the safety of women in AAP’s presence. Arvinder Singh Lovely, former Delhi Congress chief, has also raised concerns about the ability of AAP to ensure national safety if they cannot guarantee security within their own accommodations.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal commenced his election campaign with a visit to a Hanuman temple in Connaught Place, followed by a series of AAP worker rallies and roadshows. Kejriwal, accompanied by Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, invited supporters to the temple, leading to increased security presence. At the AAP headquarters, he addressed supporters, challenging PM Modi’s election rhetoric. Kejriwal further participated in roadshows in South and East Delhi, where he faced enthusiastic crowds. The CM highlighted his achievements, particularly in healthcare, and expressed gratitude for his release from jail. Residents celebrated his return, while some also voiced support for the BJP.
Delhi Police detained approximately 12 student wing workers from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for raising slogans during an IPL match between Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals at Arun Jaitley Stadium. The protestors wore t-shirts with the ‘Jail Ka Jawab Vote Se’ tagline, part of AAP’s campaign against the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on money laundering charges. AAP’s Chhatra Yuva Sangharsh Samiti (CYSS) condemned Kejriwal’s arrest as illegal and organized the protest during the match. They chanted slogans against the BJP government, and the incident was captured on video and shared on AAP’s official x account (formerly Twitter). Delhi Police stated that the protestors were creating a public nuisance and would be released after completing legal formalities. The ongoing Lok Sabha elections will see voting for seven constituencies in Delhi on May 25th.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, is facing allegations of receiving political funding from the banned terrorist organization ‘Sikhs for Justice’. Following a complaint, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has recommended a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) against Kejriwal and the AAP. The complaint alleges that AAP received $16 million from Khalistani groups between 2014 and 2022, and that Kejriwal promised to facilitate the release of a convicted terrorist, Devendra Pal Bhullar, in return for financial support. The complaint cites video evidence and social media posts as supporting evidence. The allegations include closed-door meetings between Kejriwal and Khalistani leaders, and a letter from Kejriwal to the former President seeking clemency for Bhullar. The Lieutenant Governor’s secretariat has urged the Home Ministry to refer the matter to the NIA for a comprehensive investigation.
