Arvind Kejriwal strayed from AAP's founding principles, says MP Swati Maliwal after quitting party

New Delhi: Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal, who on Friday announced her decision to quit AAP, alleged that the party under its national convener Arvind Kejriwal had strayed from its founding principles and shielded individuals involved in misconduct.

In a post on social media on X (formerly Twitter), Maliwal said she had chosen the path of national and public service in 2006.

She said, "From the RTI movement and the Anna movement to the formation of the Aam Aadmi Party and my eight years of dedicated service at the Delhi Commission for Women, I contributed with absolute honesty and devotion at every stage."


"With great sorrow today, I must say that the principles, values and resolve for honest politics with which we began this journey have been abandoned by Arvind Kejriwal ji and, at his behest, the entire Aam Aadmi Party," she added.

Recalling the incident which had taken place at Kejriwal's official residence, Maliwal further alleged that she was subjected to "severe physical assault and gross misconduct" on his instructions and claimed that attempts were made to shield the accused.

She also accused the party leadership of allowing "rampant corruption", promoting "criminal elements" and failing to address issues related to harassment and violence against women.

"Seeing the unchecked corruption growing in the Aam Aadmi Party under Kejriwal ji's patronage, incidents of harassment and assault against women, the promotion of thuggish elements, and the betrayal and looting happening with Punjab, I have decided to leave the party today," Maliwal declared.

In a massive jolt to AAP on Friday, seven of its Rajya Sabha MPs, including Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal, quit the party. Addressing a press conference, Chadha said that party MPs Harbhajan Singh and Swati Maliwal are also quitting the AAP.

Maliwal said that she will be speaking on the matter in greater detail once she is in Delhi on Friday night.