Chirag Paswan Takes Legal Action Against Hindutva Influencer for Exploiting His Name

In a significant development, Union Minister Chirag Paswan has lodged a formal complaint against Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bharadwaj, alleging the misuse of his name in connection with a violent incident involving the father of a student activist. The complaint was filed amid rising tensions following protests at Jantar Mantar, where Sanjay Kumar, the father of student activist Nishu Aazad, was reportedly assaulted.

Paswan has accused Bharadwaj of publicly and falsely invoking his name to garner attention and evade consequences related to the assault. Bharadwaj had allegedly stated in a podcast that a call from Delhi minister Kapil Mishra had helped him dodge arrest following the violent confrontation, which he claimed resulted in serious injuries to Kumar, including a fractured skull.

In the controversial podcast, Bharadwaj referred to Chirag Paswan as his ‘elder brother’ and suggested that he had the support of influential figures. However, Paswan firmly rejected this characterization, stating, “In public life, many people come to meet us and take pictures. But this does not mean that they know us personally or I know them personally.” His statement reflects a growing concern about the appropriation of political figures’ names for personal gain.

The incident at Jantar Mantar occurred on July 23, when Kumar was attacked during demonstrations protesting alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. The protests have drawn considerable public attention, leading to allegations of police brutality and political interference. In light of these events, Paswan expressed his unwavering support for Kumar’s family, affirming his commitment to ensuring justice and accountability. He stated, “Ensuring justice for them is a responsibility that both I and my party fully accept.”

Bharadwaj was arrested on Saturday and has since been placed in one-day police custody as investigations into the assault and the claims surrounding it continue. This incident not only highlights the volatile atmosphere surrounding youth protests in India but also raises questions about the intersection of social media influence and political accountability.

Source: scroll.in