New Delhi: AAP Rift Deepens: Maliwal’s Fiery Call on Mann’s Videos
In a bold move that underscores growing discord within the Aam Aadmi Party, Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal has penned a pointed letter to national convenor Arvind Kejriwal. She urges a swift probe into viral videos allegedly featuring Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann making remarks disrespectful to Sikh gurus. Shared on her X account, the two-page missive highlights the potential damage to the party’s standing amid public outrage.
The footage, circulating widely on social media, shows Mann in what Maliwal calls a “shameful” display that wounds Sikh religious sentiments. She notes the videos surfaced through a self-proclaimed old friend of the chief minister, who claims possession of eight more such clips. This revelation has sparked urgent calls for clarity, as the clips threaten to erode trust in AAP’s leadership.
Probing the Truth: Real or Fabricated?
Maliwal stresses the need for an independent forensic examination to separate fact from fiction. If authentic, she insists, strict measures must target Mann to uphold party values. Should they prove AI-generated deepfakes, those spreading them face severe repercussions to curb misinformation.
Her plea to Kejriwal is direct: act now to stem the harm from swirling discussions. Silence, she warns, could amplify the fallout, further tarnishing AAP’s image in Punjab and beyond.
Alcoholism Claims Add Fuel to the Fire
Beyond the videos, Maliwal levels a serious charge against Mann’s personal conduct. She references persistent reports of his alcohol use during official duties, including government meetings and media briefings. Such allegations, she argues, compound the urgency for a thorough review to protect the party’s hard-earned reputation.
This comes as Punjab Police treat the clips as potential deepfakes, with a Mohali court ordering their removal from platforms. Yet, opposition voices demand verification to safeguard Punjab’s honor.
A Strained Alliance in AAP
Maliwal’s outreach arrives against a backdrop of her frayed ties with party brass. Elected to Rajya Sabha on an AAP ticket in 2024, she has openly critiqued leadership since an alleged assault incident at Kejriwal’s residence. Recent detentions, including one for protesting outside his home, signal deepening divides.
As AAP navigates these internal storms, the focus shifts to Kejriwal’s response. Will he prioritize unity, or let fissures widen? The party’s future in Punjab hangs in the balance.