![AAP'S SORDID SAGA](https://cdn.magzter.com/India Today/1716539851/articles/vX-VzClb71716544500517/AAPS-SORDID-SAGA.jpg)
Kejriwal re-entered the poll campaign with a bang, making explosive allegations about the shifting power structure in the BJP top leadership.
A week later, though, the tables had been turned. At the centre of it was the party’s Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal, 39, who alleged that she was beaten up at Kejriwal’s official residence by his long-time private assistant Bibhav Kumar on May 13. Soon, AAP was forced into fire-fighting mode, and the BJP was back in the game, launching back-to-back rallies by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief J.P. Nadda and Amit Shah.
With many of its 20 LS candidates (in Delhi, Punjab and Haryana) up in the last two legs of the polls, the controversy has disrupted their campaign momentum. Unwilling to cede an inch, AAP alleged a political conspiracy, even as Kejriwal dared the BJP to arrest all his leaders in one go after Bibhav was taken into police custody on May 18. “They arrested my PA... I say, why arrest our leaders one by one? Take all of us in one go,” he said.
The Congress, AAP’s ally in Delhi, has taken a cautious stand on the whole sordid saga. When questioned, party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi said she would stand by any woman who was a victim of an atrocity. In the INDIA bloc, the Congress is the only party with a direct seat-sharing agreement with AAP. Yet, so far it has maintained a careful distance from Kejriwal, not even addressing a joint press conference with him. Party sources say they will maintain silence till May 25 when Delhi and Haryana—where the two have an alliance—go to the polls. All bets will be off in the last phase of the Punjab polls, where they are pitted against each other.
This story is from the June 03, 2024 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 03, 2024 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![FUELLING AMBITIONS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5/1734071/FvMxsRyn11718454074093/FUELLING-AMBITIONS.jpg)
FUELLING AMBITIONS
Puri's return signals a welcome continuity. Oil production and green fuels remain a challenge
![Acceptance Certificates](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5/1734071/BCyJ4B43A1718453945614/ACCEPTANCE-CERTIFICATES.jpg)
Acceptance Certificates
The Ayush ministry must push for rigorous treatment protocol based on science and ensure new and high-quality products
![THE HEALTH MAKEOVER](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5/1734071/8azXtQJTo1718453824743/THE-HEALTH-MAKEOVER.jpg)
THE HEALTH MAKEOVER
Providing adequate and quality healthcare to a large population is a challenge. The immediate task is to provide affordable treatment and tackle the burden of spiraling non-communicable diseases
![THE GREEN TIGHTROPE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5/1734071/FHpNls2bO1718453690992/THE-GREEN-TIGHTROPE.jpg)
THE GREEN TIGHTROPE
If the government is to realise its grand promises of a green revival, it needs to show unwavering commitment. Pollution and depleting forest cover remain major worries
![REALISING THE TRUE POTENTIAL](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5/1734071/I9I_uZ52i1718453616105/REALISING-THE-TRUE-POTENTIAL.jpg)
REALISING THE TRUE POTENTIAL
Conserving and promoting India's rich heritage can generate jobs and spur other sectors too
![MAKING YOUTH EMPLOYABLE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5/1734071/6Gzk32tde1718453526994/MAKING-YOUTH-EMPLOYABLE.jpg)
MAKING YOUTH EMPLOYABLE
To cash in on its demographic advantage, India must revamp its skilling infrastructure with aid from the industry
![CRACK THE REFORM CODE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5/1734071/1yicwB5NU1718453416195/CRACK-THE-REFORM-CODE.jpg)
CRACK THE REFORM CODE
Educational reform is unfinished business. More resources and full adoption of NEP are a must to end disparities, fill vacancies and train teachers
![FISHING FOR SUCCESS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5/1734071/PqgOKwqW91718453320524/FISHING-FOR-SUCCESS.jpg)
FISHING FOR SUCCESS
Empowering the fisheries sector and the national livestock census will be top priority
![POWER-PACKED AGENDA](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5/1734071/7E3DuqQc_1718453193717/POWERPACKED-AGENDA.jpg)
POWER-PACKED AGENDA
Reforms in the power sector are key to meeting the exponential growth in demand for electricity
![BREAKING THE GRID LOCK](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5/1734071/wP1BbF8Je1718453072927/BREAKING-THE-GRID-LOCK.jpg)
BREAKING THE GRID LOCK
Joshi's big challenge, apart from synergies with the power ministry, will be to popularise the green fuels of the future