New Delhi, February 16 The Delhi Assembly has given a "final opportunity" to AAP convener and former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal to appear before its Privileges Committee on March 6, in connection with the 'Faansi Ghar' issue, a statement on Monday said.
The Privileges Committee is looking into claims by AAP leaders, including Kejriwal, regarding the existence of a British-era "Faansi Ghar" (gallows) in the Assembly premises, which was inaugurated as a memorial on August 9, 2022, under the previous Delhi government.
The Committee has decided to grant Kejriwal, former deputy CM Manish Sisodia, former speaker Ram Niwas Goel, and ex-deputy speaker Rakhi Birla a final opportunity to appear in person and give their statements regarding the ‘Faansi Ghar’ issue, the Privileges Committee statement said.
"The Committee has scheduled this final appearance for March 6," it said.
The AAP leaders have submitted their written replies related to the matter. The Committee, in a meeting, reviewed their replies and requested an extension demanded by the AAP leaders for appearing before it, the statement said.
Chairman of the Committee, BJP MLA Pradyumn Singh Rajput, informed that Kejriwal, in his written response, sought time to appear on either March 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.
Sisodia, Goel, and Birla also submitted requests for a few days' extension, mirroring the timeline suggested by Kejriwal, he said.
The Committee noted these requests and finalized the final date to ensure the inquiry proceeds without further delay, he added.
The issue of 'Faansi Ghar' was raised by Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta after the formation of the BJP government in Delhi last February.
Gupta, expressing concerns over the authenticity of the 'Faansi Ghar', referred the matter to the Privileges Committee and also claimed, citing old records, including the architectural map of the historical Assembly building, that the so-called "Faansi Ghar" was actually a "tiffin room" for serving meals during the British period.
The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and institutional integrity. It emphasized that cooperation from all concerned individuals is indispensable for the completion of a fair and comprehensive inquiry into the controversy, the statement added.
