‘Crores Spent on Luxury’: Swati Maliwal Targets Bhagwant Mann Over Foreign Tour Row

Swati Maliwal Launches Sharp Attack on Punjab CM

Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal has launched a fierce attack on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accusing him of misusing public funds for a luxury foreign visit and alleging that Arvind Kejriwal’s former aide Bibhav Kumar has effectively been handed control of the Punjab government.

In a blistering post on social media, Maliwal questioned the Punjab government’s priorities, alleging that crores of rupees from the state treasury were being spent on lavish foreign travel while ordinary citizens continued to struggle.

“With the summers intensifying, they’ve pulled out millions and crores of rupees from Punjab’s treasury to take travel agent Bhagwant Mann ji along with Bibhav Kumar on a tour to the Netherlands and Finland,” she wrote.

The remarks have sparked a fresh political storm within the Aam Aadmi Party, exposing deepening cracks and internal hostility among its senior leaders.

‘Luxury Hotels, First Class Flights’

Maliwal further alleged that the trip was being conducted with extravagant use of public money, claiming the delegation was enjoying first-class flights, premium accommodation, and every possible luxury at taxpayers’ expense.

“First Class flight tickets, the most expensive hotels, and every comfort imaginable. This Bibhav Kumar was called a thug by the Supreme Court; today, Bhagwant Mann has handed him the keys to the entire government,” she said.

Her statement has amplified criticism of the Punjab government, with the opposition likely to seize on the allegations to question the administration’s accountability.

The comments also bring Bibhav Kumar back into the political spotlight, months after he was at the centre of major controversy involving allegations of assault.

Serious Allegations Against Bibhav Kumar

Taking her attack further, Maliwal alleged that Bibhav Kumar was being given privileges equivalent to those of a senior minister, despite the controversy surrounding him.

“Z+ security, a government bungalow, a convoy of cars, the status of a Cabinet Minister. The day the way Punjab has been looted comes to light, the people of Punjab won’t let these folks set foot in their streets and neighbourhoods,” she wrote.

The accusations are politically explosive, as they suggest an unelected individual is allegedly enjoying extraordinary power and benefits inside the Punjab administration.

If the allegations gain traction, they could create significant political embarrassment for Bhagwant Mann and the AAP leadership.

Supreme Court Remarks Resurface

Maliwal’s attack also revived attention on Supreme Court observations made in August 2024, when the court strongly criticised Bibhav Kumar over allegations that he assaulted her.

At the time, the apex court had made sharp remarks on the conduct attributed to him.

“Is this kind of goon supposed to work in the CM’s residence?” the Supreme Court had reportedly asked during the hearing.

The bench had also expressed shock over the alleged treatment meted out to Maliwal.

“We are shocked. Is this a way to deal with a young lady?” the judges had observed.

By invoking those remarks, Maliwal has attempted to strengthen her allegations and intensify pressure on the Punjab government.

Fresh Trouble for AAP

The public attack from one AAP leader against another has once again exposed the internal friction within the party, especially at a time when AAP is trying to project unity and governance stability.

Maliwal’s allegations against Bhagwant Mann are likely to trigger fresh questions over the role of Bibhav Kumar, the use of public funds, and decision-making within the Punjab government.

The timing of the remarks is particularly significant, as they come amid increasing scrutiny of AAP’s governance model in states where it is in power.

With the allegations now in the public domain, political pressure is expected to mount on the Punjab government to clarify the purpose of the trip and the official status of those travelling

Why did Swati Maliwal attack Bhagwant Mann?

Swati Maliwal accused Bhagwant Mann of spending public money on a luxury foreign trip and alleged that Bibhav Kumar has been given excessive control in the Punjab government.

What did Swati Maliwal say about the foreign trip?

She alleged that crores from Punjab’s treasury were spent on first-class tickets, luxury hotels, and lavish arrangements for the trip to the Netherlands and Finland.

What allegations were made about Bibhav Kumar?

Maliwal claimed Bibhav Kumar has been given Z+ security, a government bungalow, a convoy, and the status of a cabinet minister.

Why is Bibhav Kumar controversial?

He was previously criticised by the Supreme Court in connection with allegations that he assaulted Swati Maliwal.