AAP leader's wife Swati Maliwal to be Delhi women commission chief

The Aam Aadmi Party government will be appointing party leader Naveen Jaihind’s wife Swati Maliwal as the next chief of the Delhi commission for women.

Maliwa is currently advisor (grievances) to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. She is a Right To Information activist and the youngest member of India Against Corruption. She would be replacing Barkha Shukla as the DCW chief.

Shukla on Wednesday criticised AAP’s decision opining that the post should be given to an experienced individual.

"The Aam Aadmi Party's true face and character is now visible for everyone. The DCW chief post is a very big post and should be for someone very senior, who is experienced. Maliwal, who I understand is Kejriwal's cousin, is being put at this post so that no justice can take place," Shukla told ANI.

Shukla stoop up against AAP leader Somnath Bharti after his wife abused him of domestic violence. 

Rejecting claims of favouritism, the AAP said she had a long record of activism in different spheres.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was also quick to deny that Maliwal was related to him.

“Some media houses and opposition leaders alleging that Swati is my cousin. Complete nonsense. She is not even remotely connected,” Kejriwal tweeted.

The party said Maliwal has a long record of “activism” in different spheres and the appointment was done on “merit”.

“We have not heard of any decision being taken by the Delhi government in appointing Swati Maliwal as the chairperson of the DCW. However, if this is the case we welcome the move. She has a long history of activism in the field of anti-corruption, RTI and women empowerment. After (deceased AAP leader) Santosh Koli, her name is taken in same breath in the party when it comes to commitment and aggression,” party leader Dilip Pandey said.

“Plus she has a proven track record in the field of activism. The post of the DCW was being used a retirement place. Barkha Singh, who lost in the polls, was accommodated there. Swati Maliwal can do justice to the post,” Pandey said.

Image: Swati Maliwal will replace Barkha Shukla

-- With inputs from PTI