Swati Maliwal, once a close aide of Arvind Kejriwal, is now leading AAP’s massive joining of the BJP.

New Delhi: Swati Maliwal, Once in Between Arvind KejriwalHis closest confidants have now joined the biggest rebellion within BJP Aam Aadmi PartyMPs are backing a massive shake-up after years of bitter differences with their former party.Maliwal is among the seven Rajya Sabha MPs of AAP who led Raghav Chaddhaannounced its decision to merge with the BJP, citing “deviation from the core ideology” and the breakdown of internal democracy. But for Maliwal, the move is seen as more than just political – it is the culmination of a deep personal and public rift.Once the Delhi Commission for Women chief and a trusted insider who defended AAP during several crises, Maliwal’s relations with the leadership started deteriorating years ago. The breaking point came in 2024, when he accused Kejriwal’s close aide Bibhav Kumar of assaulting him at the chief minister’s residence – an episode after which he claimed the party abandoned him and became hostile.After this, Maliwal’s dissatisfaction intensified. He openly criticized the leadership, attacked major decisions and refused to step down despite pressure from within. His opposition reached its peak when he criticized the appointment of Atishi as Chief Minister of Delhi, calling it a “dummy” arrangement and questioned the direction of the party.The day the split became public, Maliwal posted a striking image referencing the disrobing of Draupadi from the Mahabharata – a loaded metaphor of betrayal and vengeance. The symbolism reiterated her long-standing claim: that she was wronged, isolated and ultimately forced to fight alone.His journey – from an AAP loyalist to its fiercest internal critic, and now part of a faction that has exited the party – reflects a wider pattern within the AAP, where many early leaders who questioned the high command eventually found themselves sidelined.With her decision to support the merger, Maliwal is no longer just a marginalized dissident – ​​she has become the center of a political moment that could redefine AAP’s future in Parliament.