Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan has filed a complaint against Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj, accusing him of allegedly misusing Paswan’s name in connection with the Jantar Mantar assault controversy.
The complaint was filed at Delhi’s Parliament Street Police Station by Paswan’s party. The LJP (Ram Vilas) has sought strict action against Bhardwaj and asked police to officially record that neither Paswan nor the party has any association with him or the incident.
What is the controversy?
Bhardwaj came under scrutiny after a video from a podcast circulated widely on social media. In the video, he allegedly spoke about an assault on the father of student activist Nishu Azad during a protest at Jantar Mantar.
According to reports, Bhardwaj allegedly claimed that he had severely assaulted Azad’s father and suggested that his political connections helped him avoid immediate legal action. He also referred to Paswan and BJP leader Kapil Mishra while discussing the incident.
The remarks triggered widespread criticism, with activists demanding his arrest and stronger action by the police.
Chirag Paswan rejects any association
Paswan has strongly objected to the alleged use of his name and photographs. He said that politicians routinely meet and interact with people in public life, but such meetings cannot be interpreted as evidence of a personal association or political protection.
He argued that Bhardwaj’s remarks created the impression that action had not been taken against him because of his connection with Paswan and his party. Paswan said such conduct amounts to misuse of his name.
Paswan also backed the family of the alleged assault victim and said that failure to take action against someone who openly claims responsibility for violence could set a dangerous precedent.
LJP seeks strict action
The LJP (Ram Vilas) has called for an FIR and strict legal action against Bhardwaj. The party has maintained that it has no connection with him and that its president’s name should not be used to suggest political influence or protection.
The complaint adds another dimension to an already escalating controversy surrounding the alleged Jantar Mantar assault. Bhardwaj was subsequently detained by Delhi Police in Uttar Pradesh as authorities moved forward with the investigation.
The case is now being closely watched amid demands for accountability and questions over whether political names were invoked to create an impression of immunity from legal action.
