Vijender Gupta, once expelled from the Delhi Assembly for challenging the AAP, has returned as Speaker following the BJP’s victory in the 2025 elections. Gupta, who retained his Rohini seat, expressed gratitude for the role and aims for constructive debates. His return poses challenges for the AAP as he intends to present 14 pending CAG reports on alleged financial misconduct by the former AAP administration. The BJP appointed Rekha Gupta as the new Chief Minister, a surprise choice over expected candidates, reflecting the party’s shift in leadership strategy. AAP has yet to respond to Gupta’s appointment.
New Delhi:
A decade ago, BJP’s Vijender Gupta was unceremoniously ejected from the Delhi Assembly amidst uproar over offensive comments made by party member OP Sharma regarding then-AAP MLA Alka Lamba.
Dramatic scenes from inside the Assembly captured Mr. Gupta, clad in a crisp white kurta-pyjama, being hoisted by several marshals while he yelled and twisted in protest. The BJP leader clung to the furniture, resisting efforts to escort him out.
Today, Mr. Gupta comes back as the Speaker of the same Assembly after an astonishing victory for the BJP in the 2025 Delhi elections, successfully defending the Rohini seat he has held since 2015.
“I am grateful to the party for entrusting me with the role of Speaker of the Delhi Assembly. I will carry out my duties responsibly. I look forward to constructive discussions in the House,” he stated to news agency PTI.
VIDEO | Delhi: BJP leader Vijender Gupta (@Gupta_vijender) expressed, “I am thankful to the party for giving me the responsibility of Speaker of Delhi Assembly. I will fulfill my responsibility… I hope we will have healthy discussions in the House.”
(Full video available on PTI… pic.twitter.com/8SsH8GEmNT
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 20, 2025
Vijender Gupta’s return could create challenges for the beleaguered AAP, as he has vowed to present 14 pending reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) concerning the former AAP government to the House and make them public.
He asserted that these reports would “reveal how the AAP deceived the residents of Delhi with false promises while engaging in financial misconduct totaling crores.” Mr. Gupta also criticized the AAP for obstructing BJP MLAs’ attempts to present the CAG reports.
Prior to this, Mr. Gupta served as the Leader of Opposition.
READ |All About Rekha Gupta, Delhi’s Fourth Woman Chief Minister
Sources previously indicated he was on a shortlist for the Chief Minister role, which ultimately went to Rekha Gupta, a first-time MLA from Shalimar Bagh who becomes the fourth BJP Chief Minister of Delhi and the party’s second woman to hold the position.
What Happened In 2015?
On November 30, 2015, as is often the case in various Assemblies and Parliament in India, there was chaos as AAP and BJP MLAs clashed over the alleged offensive remarks.
Then-Speaker Ram Niwas Goel instructed Vijender Gupta to exit the House until 4 pm.
ARCHIVES |BJP’s Vijender Gupta Thrown Out Of Delhi Assembly By Marshals
When he refused to leave, marshals were summoned. Mr. Gupta resisted being removed and attempted to cling to the bench, but the staff successfully evicted him.
Before his expulsion, Gupta accused the Speaker of bias in favor of the AAP, then the ruling party, claiming that three BJP legislators had been verbally and physically attacked by AAP members.
“But no action has been taken against them,” he complained.
The AAP has yet to respond to Vijender Gupta’s appointment.
Rekha Gupta’s Big Day
Ms. Gupta, a first-time MLA from Shalimar Bagh, told NDTV she had no expectations when she left home Wednesday evening to attend a legislators’ meeting.
It was widely anticipated that her colleague, two-time former Lok Sabha MP Parvesh Verma, who defeated AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal for the New Delhi seat, would be chosen.
However, in a surprising turn of events, the BJP made an unexpected announcement.
READ |“Came To Know When Parvesh Verma…”: Rekha Gupta On CM News
“When I left home, I had no idea I would be appointed Chief Minister,” Ms. Gupta explained, adding that it was Mr. Verma who had recommended her name.
READ |Parvesh Verma, Kapil Mishra In Rekha Gupta’s 6-Member Cabinet
Meanwhile, Mr. Verma joins five other BJP leaders in the newly formed Delhi cabinet.
NDTV is now available on WhatsApp channels. Click on the link to get all the latest updates from NDTV on your chat.