Chaos erupted outside the Delhi Assembly when AAP Leader of Opposition Atishi’s car was stopped. She condemned the suspension of 21 AAP MLAs for disrupting the Lieutenant Governor’s address, claiming it was a targeted attack on opposition voices. Atishi argued that the BJP tolerated slogans honoring PM Modi while punishing those honoring BR Ambedkar. In a letter to Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, she called the suspensions an injustice and a blow to democracy, protesting the selective enforcement of discipline. AAP MLAs plan to escalate the matter to President Droupadi Murmu, while the Speaker urged for constructive dialogue within the Assembly.
New Delhi:
Today, chaos erupted outside the Delhi Assembly as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Leader of Opposition (LoP) Atishi’s vehicle was halted near its premises. The former Delhi chief minister characterized the incident as a targeted attack on opposition leaders.
On Tuesday, 21 AAP MLAs, including Atishi, faced suspension for interrupting Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena’s inaugural address by chanting slogans against the supposed removal of portraits of BR Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh from Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s office in the assembly.
“The BJP has an issue with BR Ambedkar’s photograph and his name. When we shouted ‘Jai Bheem’ slogans inside the House, we were forcefully removed, yet when they chanted ‘Modi, Modi,’ no action was taken against them. Does this imply that the BJP believes PM Modi is more significant than BR Ambedkar?” Atishi questioned.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, Atishi condemned the suspension of the 21 AAP MLAs as an “injustice to the opposition” and appealed to the Speaker to uphold democratic principles.
“I pen this letter with immense pain and sorrow. The cornerstone of democracy lies in its fairness and equality. However, the events in the Delhi Assembly over the last few days represent not just an injustice to the opposition MLAs but also a significant blow to democratic values,” her letter expressed.
Atishi further claimed that disciplinary measures were selectively enforced, aiming at opposition lawmakers while sparing those from the ruling party.
“On 25 February 2025, during the Lieutenant Governor’s address, ruling party MLAs shouted ‘Modi-Modi,’ while opposition MLAs chanted ‘Jai Bheem’ in respect for Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. It’s regrettable that no action was taken against any ruling party MLA, yet 21 opposition MLAs were suspended for three days for chanting ‘Jai Bheem,'” she stated.
The situation intensified when the suspended AAP MLAs tried to stage a protest near the Mahatma Gandhi statue located within the Assembly grounds.
“The injustice did not end there. Yesterday, when the suspended MLAs attempted to peacefully protest in front of Gandhiji’s statue situated in the Assembly premises, they were stopped 200 meters before the Assembly gate and denied entry,” she added.
She deemed this restriction an “insult” to both the MLAs and the public mandate they uphold.
In light of the increasing political standoff, AAP MLAs declared their intention to escalate the matter to President Droupadi Murmu. The party leadership perceives the suspensions and limitations as attempts to silence opposition voices within the Assembly.
“You are the guardian of this Assembly. It is your duty to ensure equal justice for all MLAs, whether they belong to the ruling party or the opposition. I implore you to advocate for democratic values and protect the constitutional rights of every MLA,” Atishi stated in her letter to the Speaker.
Mr. Gupta responded to Atishi, urging her to encourage her colleagues to engage in “constructive” dialogue within the Assembly.
“I would urge you, as the Leader of Opposition, to guide your colleagues toward constructive participation in legislative proceedings rather than engaging in disruptive tactics that hinder the functioning of the House. The people of Delhi deserve a legislature that addresses their concerns through dignified debate and deliberation,” the letter concluded.