Maliwal has accused Atishi's parents had close relations with former Delhi University professor Syed Abdul Rehman Geelani, who was allegedly involved in the 2001 Parliament attack but was later acquitted of charges.

Atishi's mother, Tripta Wahi, was among several activists and professors who had signed a mercy petition for Afzal Guru in 2013.

Swati Maliwal's attack against Atishi came after the AAP leader pipped Kailash Gahlot to become the next Delhi CM, two days after Arvind Kejriwal said he would step down from the top post.

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal has accused Delhi's Chief Minister-designate Atishi's parents of having close ties with SAR Geelani, who was acquitted in the 2001 Parliament attack case. Maliwal claims they supported Afzal Guru through mercy petitions.

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal expressed her strong disapproval on party leader Atishi being appointed as Chief Minister of Delhi. Maliwal said, "Today is an extremely unfortunate day for Delhi." She criticised Atishi,

Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal criticised AAP's decision to appoint Atishi as Delhi's Chief Minister, claiming her family fought to prevent terrorist Afzal Guru's execution.