‘Chirag Paswan Is My Elder Brother’: Why The Minister Is Now Taking Action Against Swatantra Bhardwaj

New Delhi: Union Minister Chirag Paswan has distanced himself from right wing influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj and filed a complaint against him, alleging that his name was being misused in connection with a controversial assault case at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.

The row began after comments made by Bhardwaj in a podcast started circulating on social media. During the conversation, Bhardwaj reportedly claimed that Chirag Paswan was like an “elder brother” to him and spoke about having political connections.

Paswan has rejected any such association.

The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief has made it clear that Bhardwaj does not have his support or backing. He has also backed the family of Sanjay Kumar, who was allegedly assaulted during a protest at Jantar Mantar.

The controversy centres on an incident involving Kumar, the father of student activist Nishu Azad. According to reports, Kumar suffered a head injury during a confrontation at the protest. Bhardwaj later allegedly spoke about the incident in the podcast and claimed that he had assaulted Kumar.

What made the matter more controversial was Bhardwaj’s alleged reference to political connections and claims that he would not face serious consequences.

Paswan has taken strong exception to this.

The minister said that if someone can publicly talk about violence and suggest that political connections can protect them from legal action, it sends a dangerous message. He also said that allowing such behaviour to go unchecked would set a “very wrong example”.

The case has since taken a wider legal turn. Delhi Police detained Bhardwaj in Uttar Pradesh after protests and demands for his arrest grew. Police have also registered a fresh FIR under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act following a complaint involving a minor. Sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have also reportedly been added to the earlier case.

Delhi Police has denied allegations of political interference and maintained that the matter is being investigated according to law.

For Paswan, however, the issue is also about his name being linked to the controversy. By filing a formal complaint, he has sought to put his position on record: Bhardwaj does not represent him, and any suggestion of political backing should not be attributed to him.

The investigation will now determine what happened at Jantar Mantar, whether the allegations against Bhardwaj are substantiated and what further legal action follows.

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