New Delhi: Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal has strongly criticized outgoing Delhi Chief Minister Atishi for celebrating her individual victory in the Kalkaji constituency despite the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) overwhelming defeat in the assembly elections.
Maliwal took to social media platform X to share a video of Atishi dancing and celebrating with her supporters after securing a win against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Ramesh Bidhuri by a margin of 3,521 votes. In her post, Maliwal termed the celebration a “shameless display” considering AAP’s overall loss.
ये कैसा बेशर्मी का प्रदर्शन है ? पार्टी हार गई, सब बड़े नेता हार गये और Atishi Marlena ऐसे जश्न मना रही हैं ?? pic.twitter.com/zbRvooE6FY
— Swati Maliwal (@SwatiJaiHind) February 8, 2025
“What kind of shameless display is this? The party lost, all the big leaders lost, and Atishi Marlena is celebrating like this?” Maliwal wrote on X.
Atishi, one of AAP’s few successful candidates in the election, acknowledged her party’s defeat but vowed to continue fighting against the BJP. Her victory stands out as several top AAP leaders, including former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and ex-Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, failed to retain their seats.
The BJP secured a historic mandate in Delhi, marking its return to power in the national capital after 27 years. The party won 47 seats and is leading on one more, while AAP managed to secure just 22 seats. The Congress, which once dominated Delhi politics, failed to win a single seat for the third consecutive election.
BJP leader Parvesh Verma emerged as a key figure in the elections, defeating Kejriwal by over 4,000 votes in the New Delhi constituency.
Maliwal’s remarks also carried a veiled reference to her previous allegations against AAP chief Kejriwal’s aide, Bibhav Kumar, whom she accused of assaulting her at the former chief minister’s residence. Despite her continued criticism of AAP leadership, Maliwal has not officially left the party.
“If we see history, when something wrong happens to a woman, God punishes those who commit the crime,” Maliwal told ANI, drawing a parallel between Kejriwal’s loss and divine retribution. She further likened Kejriwal’s downfall to that of the mythological figure Ravan, stating, “Even Ravan’s pride was shattered, and he is only Kejriwal.”
The verdict in Delhi comes as a major boost for the BJP, following its sweeping victories in Maharashtra and Haryana, further consolidating its grip on national politics.
