Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal on Monday launched a sharp attack on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, alleging that he is misusing Punjab’s resources for personal comfort while the state reels under a severe flood crisis.
In a post on X, Maliwal accused the Punjab government of spending heavily on Kejriwal’s close aide. “Lakhs of rupees are being spent by the Punjab government for the salary, perks and Z+ security of your pet goon Bibhav Kumar. Imagine a person like him sitting as the Chief Advisor to the Punjab CM. Absolutely shameful!” she wrote.
Her criticism comes as Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release ₹60,000 crore in pending funds for relief and rehabilitation, citing widespread devastation caused by floods across the state.
Maliwal further alleged that Punjab is being treated as a personal resource base. “Punjab is not your ATM, nor a refuge house for your rejected leaders. For the smallest inaugurations, you roam Punjab like a king. But today, when a major disaster has struck, where are you? Why are you not with the people on the ground?” she questioned.
She also accused Kejriwal of extravagance, writing: “Just stop using Punjab’s private jet for your personal leisure. Crores of rupees from the state’s funds have already been wasted on your luxury. Stop misusing Punjab’s helicopter like a taxi to ferry yourself around.”
Meanwhile, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema reiterated the state government’s demand for the release of pending central funds. “So far, there has been no response from the Centre, but today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah called Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. We urge BJP leaders of Punjab to ensure the immediate release of our ₹60,000 crore so that we can help the people more effectively,” he said.
