Chirag Paswan Files Complaint Against Swatantra Bhardwaj Over Alleged Misuse of Name

Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan has filed a formal complaint against social media influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj, accusing him of allegedly misusing his name and photographs in connection with an assault case linked to a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The complaint comes amid controversy over remarks made by Bhardwaj during a podcast in which he allegedly spoke about an assault on the father of student activist Nishu Azad during a protest. Bhardwaj reportedly referred to Paswan and other political leaders while discussing the incident, prompting the Union minister to publicly distance himself from the influencer.

Paswan said he had no personal association with Bhardwaj and objected to the use of his name to suggest political links or influence. He maintained that photographs of politicians with members of the public or people approaching them for meetings should not be interpreted as evidence of a political relationship.

The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) also approached the Delhi Police, with its legal cell submitting a complaint at Parliament Street police station. The party sought action over what it described as false claims involving Paswan and made it clear that neither the minister nor the organisation had any connection with Bhardwaj.

The controversy intensified after a video clip from Bhardwaj’s podcast circulated widely on social media. In the recording, he allegedly claimed responsibility for severely assaulting Nishu Azad’s father during the Jantar Mantar protest and suggested that he had escaped serious legal consequences. The remarks triggered demands for his arrest and a broader investigation into the incident.

Paswan has condemned the alleged assault and said that allowing such conduct to go unpunished could establish a dangerous precedent. He also expressed support for the family of the injured man and said that justice should be ensured through a proper investigation. The minister has urged the Delhi Police to examine the allegations impartially and establish the facts surrounding the incident. His complaint also seeks to separate him and his party from claims made by Bhardwaj regarding political connections.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police have taken action against Bhardwaj in connection with the assault case. He was detained in Uttar Pradesh after protests demanding action against him and was subsequently arrested. A Delhi court has sent him to one-day police custody as investigators continue examining the allegations. Paswan’s complaint signals his decision to formally reject any such association and seek legal action over the alleged misuse of his identity.