Marriage Promise or Betrayal? Azad Samaj Party Chief Accused of Sexual Exploitation by PhD Scholar

Bhopal: Chandra Shekhar Azad, founder of the Azad Samaj Party and Lok Sabha MP from Nagina (Uttar Pradesh), is once again embroiled in controversy. PhD scholar Dr. Rohini Ghawari has filed a serious complaint of sexual harassment and deceit against him with the National Commission for Women (NCW). In her complaint, Rohini alleged that Azad emotionally and physically exploited her for three years under the false pretext of marriage.

Who Is Rohini Ghawari?

Hailing from Indore, Dr. Rohini Ghawari hails from the sanitation worker community. Currently pursuing her PhD in Geneva, Switzerland, she moved there in 2019 for higher education. According to her complaint, she met Azad in 2020, and their communication intensified in 2021. She claims Azad presented himself as unmarried, luring her into an emotional and physical relationship with promises of marriage.

"During my visits to India, Chandra Shekhar called me to hotels in Delhi and his Dwarka residence, repeatedly assuring me of marriage. Trusting him, I entered into a physical relationship," Rohini stated in her complaint.

She also alleged that she actively supported Azad’s social campaigns, both from Switzerland and during her visits to India.

Rohini claims that during the 2022 UP Assembly elections, she discovered Azad was already married. When she confronted him, he allegedly dismissed her concerns, insisting he would marry only her. Upon attempting to end the relationship, she says Azad threatened suicide and warned her against "abandoning the Bahujan movement."

"He exploited my love, trust, and dedication. Now, people label me with derogatory terms like ‘mistress.’ I’ve attempted suicide twice and am emotionally shattered," she wrote.

On Monday, the NCW registered the case, citing its severity, and assured a prompt investigation. "This legal battle has just begun. I won’t back down—the truth will prevail. This is a fight for dignity," Rohini declared.

Initially silent, Azad broke his stance on June 14 at an event in Jhansi: "My mother taught me never to disrespect women. If she’s going to court, I’ll present my side there." He avoided naming Rohini and has since refrained from further public comment.

Tensions escalated on Sunday when over 10 women protested outside Azad’s event in Basti, UP, holding placards with slogans like "Send the rape accused to jail!" The demonstration intensified as they shouted anti-Azad slogans near the Circuit House.