Union minister Chirag Paswan has distanced himself and his party from self-proclaimed Hindutva activist Swatantra Bhardwaj after a purported video surfaced in which the latter claimed to have political backing from several leaders. Paswan said such claims amounted to misuse of his name and clarified that neither he nor his party had any association with Bhardwaj. His party, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), subsequently filed a complaint seeking action against the influencer.

The controversy emerged after a purported video circulated on social media in which Bhardwaj appeared to boast about his political connections and alleged that influential leaders supported him. He reportedly referred to Paswan as his “elder brother” while also mentioning other political figures. The claims attracted attention because Bhardwaj had been facing allegations related to an assault during protests in Delhi. Paswan rejected any suggestion that his name had helped Bhardwaj avoid police action.

Paswan said that people frequently approach politicians in public life, but meeting someone does not establish a personal relationship or political association. He argued that Bhardwaj had attempted to create such an impression by invoking his name. Paswan also said he had formally complained about the alleged misuse of his name and urged Delhi Police to conduct an impartial investigation into the matter. He maintained that the seriousness of the allegations required appropriate legal action.

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Bhardwaj had come under scrutiny following allegations that he attacked Sanjay Azad, the father of a minor protester, during demonstrations at Jantar Mantar in June. A video that later went viral purportedly showed Bhardwaj discussing the incident and making remarks about the alleged assault. He was also heard suggesting that an attempted murder case could have been registered over the incident. Bhardwaj subsequently changed his position, claiming that the video being circulated was fake and describing his actions as self-defence.

The controversy intensified after the Cockroach Janta Party organised a large protest outside the Parliament Street Police Station in Delhi, demanding action over the alleged assault. Bhardwaj was later detained in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh. Following the protests, police also added provisions under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act to the case, according to the report. The developments have placed renewed attention on the allegations surrounding the June protest and the claims made in the viral video.

Paswan has also expressed support for Sanjay Azad and his family, saying that he and his party stood with them and would support efforts to establish the truth. Meanwhile, Bhardwaj's alleged claims of political backing remain a central part of the controversy, with Paswan making clear that his name was used without authorisation. Police are continuing to examine the allegations, including the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault and the statements made in the viral video.

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