Arvind Kejriwal and Swati Maliwal (R) (File photo) NEW DELHI: Former aide to Arvind Kejriwal and now a BJP leader, Swati Maliwal on Saturday levelled sharp allegations against her former boss, claiming that before becoming chief minister he wore “torn pants”, used a “two-rupee pen” and “drove around in a dilapidated car”, but after coming to power in Delhi, “he built a house worth a hundred crores.”Speaking to news agency ANI, Maliwal contrasted what she described as two very different phases of Kejriwal’s life. Her remarks came a day after Raghav Chadha-led rebellion against the party leadership and merging a 2/3rd chunk of AAP power in Upper House to BJP.Maliwal was among those who joined the breakaway faction.Maliwal, in an unrestrained attack, said, “If anyone is a traitor, it’s Arvind Kejriwal. When he started his movement, he wore torn pants, used a two-rupee pen, and drove around in a completely dilapidated car. We were all inspired, thinking that this man would bring change to the country.”Continuing her criticism, she said, “During the movement, he showed the entire country so many big, sweet dreams, and the country was impressed. But what did he do? As soon as he came to power, he built a house worth a hundred crores. He added a bar, installed carpets worth crores, and bought a refrigerator costing lakhs and crores. His sofa is so luxurious. And now, after the people of Delhi defeated him, he has moved to Punjab.”She also targeted the AAP government in Punjab under chief minister Bhagwant Mann, alleging misuse of power and resources. “They’re using Punjab like an ATM. The man they had me beaten up by was given Z-plus security. Today, he’s been appointed Bhagwant Mann’s chief advisor…The man who used to speak out against VIP protocol, when his convoy moves out, we’re counting fifty cars, but it goes above fifty. So, what constitutes treason? I call acting against one’s core principles treason. And there’s no bigger traitor than Arvind Kejriwal…”The dramatic exit of seven AAP Rajya Sabha members on Friday dealt a significant blow to the party’s leadership. Along with Chadha, leaders like Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal announced their departure from the party, which had emerged from the anti-corruption movement spearheaded by activist Anna Hazare in 2012.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAAP Fury Explodes: “Gaddar” Written On Harbhajan Singh’s House After BJP MoveBhagwant Mann Moves President Over AAP Rajya Sabha Exodus, Seeks Action Against 7 MPsRaghav Chadha’s Exit Explained: How 7 MPs Leaving Triggered AAP’s Biggest CrisisHow Raghav Chadha and 6 AAP MPs avoided disqualification under anti-defection lawIndia’s Army Chief Honoured With International Hall Of Fame At US War CollegeRaghav Chadha Blames ‘Sheesh Mahal’ for AAP’s Delhi Poll Defeat, Fresh AttackRaghav Chadha, AAP MPs Join BJP: How ‘Merger Clause’ Could Help Them Avoid DisqualificationPolitical Storm Erupts As BJP Targets Kejriwal Over ‘Sheesh Mahal 2’ ClaimsRam Madhav Says ‘India Agreed To Stop Buying Russian Oil’, Later Clarifies, Rahul Gandhi ReactsExplained: How the New US H-1B Bill Could Disrupt Indian Students’ Study-to-Work Pathway123PhotostoriesHow to sharpen mixer grinder blades at home’I’m a Celebrity South Africa’: The Jimmy Bullard and Adam Thomas fallout explainedLove or loot? 5 glaring signs your partner is treating you like a human ATMDiabetes: 5 fruits that can be secret weapon against high blood sugar‘Marty Supreme’ to ‘Greenland 2’; English releases of the week on OTTWhy Chef Sanjeev Kapoor suggests visiting Kashmiri Kandur-waan: 7 must-try Kashmiri breadsVisiting Pune? These 6 incredible day trips deserve a spot on your itineraryFrom an opulent house worth Rs 20 crore to an apartment with girlfriend Tejasswi Prakash in Dubai- Karan Kundrra’s lavish lifestyle5 heritage-inspired Indian design elements influencing modern housing trends5 signs your divorce is inevitable123Hot PicksTamil Nadu ElectionWest Bengal voter turnoutAssembly Election 2026Mamata BanerjeeTamil Nadu voter turnoutAmit ShahPM ModiTop TrendingRaghav Chadha Joins BJPTamil Nadu electionAP SSC Class 10 resultsRRB opens qualificationAIIMS B.Sc. coursesJac Class 12 ResultPatrick MahomesBengal PollsNirmala SitharamanIPL Orange Cap
NEW DELHI: Former aide to Arvind Kejriwal and now a BJP leader, Swati Maliwal on Saturday levelled sharp allegations against her former boss, claiming that before becoming chief minister he wore “torn pants”, used a “two-rupee pen” and “drove around in a dilapidated car”, but after coming to power in Delhi, “he built a house worth a hundred crores.“Speaking to news agency ANI, Maliwal contrasted what she described as two very different phases of Kejriwal’s life. Her remarks came a day after Raghav Chadha-led rebellion against the party leadership and merging a 2/3rd chunk of AAP power in Upper House to BJP.Maliwal was among those who joined the breakaway faction.Maliwal, in an unrestrained attack, said, “If anyone is a traitor, it’s Arvind Kejriwal. When he started his movement, he wore torn pants, used a two-rupee pen, and drove around in a completely dilapidated car. We were all inspired, thinking that this man would bring change to the country.”Continuing her criticism, she said, “During the movement, he showed the entire country so many big, sweet dreams, and the country was impressed. But what did he do? As soon as he came to power, he built a house worth a hundred crores. He added a bar, installed carpets worth crores, and bought a refrigerator costing lakhs and crores. His sofa is so luxurious. And now, after the people of Delhi defeated him, he has moved to Punjab.“She also targeted the AAP government in Punjab under chief minister Bhagwant Mann, alleging misuse of power and resources. “They’re using Punjab like an ATM. The man they had me beaten up by was given Z-plus security. Today, he’s been appointed Bhagwant Mann’s chief advisor…The man who used to speak out against VIP protocol, when his convoy moves out, we’re counting fifty cars, but it goes above fifty. So, what constitutes treason? I call acting against one’s core principles treason. And there’s no bigger traitor than Arvind Kejriwal...”The dramatic exit of seven AAP Rajya Sabha members on Friday dealt a significant blow to the party’s leadership. Along with Chadha, leaders like Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal announced their departure from the party, which had emerged from the anti-corruption movement spearheaded by activist Anna Hazare in 2012.