New Delhi, Feb 28 – A major political clash has erupted in the Delhi Assembly following the suspension of 21 Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs, including Leader of Opposition Atishi. The move has triggered strong reactions, with Atishi calling it an "insult to the people's mandate," while Speaker Vijender Gupta has justified the suspension, citing parliamentary norms and previous disruptions.
Suspension Sparks Outrage
On February 25, Speaker Vijender Gupta suspended 21 AAP MLAs for three days for allegedly disrupting Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena’s inaugural address. The opposition members had raised slogans in protest against the purported removal of portraits of B R Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh from the chief minister's office in the Assembly. The suspension was passed through a majority vote, and the MLAs were subsequently marshalled out of the House.Adding to the controversy, the suspended MLAs were denied entry into the Assembly premises the following day as they attempted to stage a protest near the Mahatma Gandhi statue. Atishi termed this action "unprecedented" and accused the BJP-led administration of "crossing all limits of dictatorship" by silencing opposition voices.
Allegations of Bias and Undemocratic Action
In a letter to Speaker Gupta, Atishi criticized the decision, arguing that AAP legislators were penalized for chanting "Jai Bhim," while BJP MLAs who chanted "Modi-Modi" during the LG’s address faced no action. She has also sought an audience with President Droupadi Murmu, alleging that democracy in Delhi is under attack."The BJP believes the country should be run as per a new constitution dictated by Prime Minister Modi rather than by the principles laid down by B R Ambedkar. That is why they are removing Ambedkar’s photo and replacing it with PM Modi’s," Atishi claimed.
She further stated that BJP members raising pro-Modi slogans were not reprimanded, while AAP members were marshalled out for raising "Jai Bheem" slogans. "Now, we are being prevented from even meeting the President. We have not just been stopped outside Rashtrapati Bhavan but even outside the Delhi Assembly," she added.
Speaker Defends Suspension
Rejecting Atishi’s accusations, Speaker Vijender Gupta insisted that the opposition was being disciplined for disruptive behavior, not political bias. He cited Assembly Rule 277, which states that suspended members are barred from entering the Assembly premises and participating in proceedings."It is essential to maintain the dignity of the House, particularly during the LG's address. Disruptions started even before the session began," Gupta asserted. He also referenced the Assembly's code of conduct, which deems interruptions during the LG’s speech as a sign of disrespect and contempt toward the House.
"The opposition is trying to divert attention from critical governance issues. Instead of debating matters affecting Delhiites, especially the CAG reports, they have resorted to disruptions," Gupta added, accusing AAP of using protests as a political strategy.
Political Tensions Set to Escalate
The standoff between AAP and the BJP in the Delhi Assembly continues to intensify, with both sides standing firm on their positions. While AAP leaders decry the suspensions as "unconstitutional," the Speaker has reiterated that any future misconduct will invite similar disciplinary action.As the Assembly moves to discuss key reports, including the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) findings, the confrontation is expected to escalate further in the coming days, deepening the political divide in the capital.