Chirag Paswan party files complaint over name misuse

Union Minister Chirag Paswan's party has filed a complaint with Delhi Police against Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj, who allegedly misused Paswan's name in connection with an assault during a protest in July. The complaint comes as Bhardwaj was detained by police on Friday, September 4, 2026, following protests over his alleged involvement in injuring the father of a student activist. The incident stems from a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar in July, during which Sanjay Kumar, father of student activist Nishu Azad, was injured. The matter gained wider attention after a podcast clip surfaced, in which Bhardwaj appeared to boast about injuring Kumar, claiming he "cracked the skull" and that the injury required 60 stitches. In the clip, Bhardwaj also invoked the names of several political leaders, including Chirag Paswan and Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra, suggesting he had political backing. Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party Ram Vilas (LJP RV) filed a complaint at the Parliament Street police station, accusing Bhardwaj of falsely and publicly citing Paswan's name and creating an impression of political protection.