The Delhi Assembly erupted in chaos when Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Jarnail Singh posted a photo during a session on social media, leading to backlash from ruling BJP members. The assembly speaker warned Singh that taking photos constituted a breach of privilege. Singh’s post criticized the absence of ministers but was met with demands for action from BJP MLAs, who suggested confiscating his phone and referring the matter for further scrutiny. The speaker insisted Singh delete the post and apologize, clarifying that while live-streaming is permitted, personal photography is not. The assembly also experienced tensions regarding the CAG report on health infrastructure.
New Delhi:
The Delhi Assembly erupted into turmoil today following a post by an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA on X during the session. MLA Jarnail Singh snapped a photo during the ongoing proceedings and shared it on the social media site, which drew criticism from the MLAs of the ruling BJP. The assembly speaker issued a reprimand, emphasizing that taking photos in the House constitutes a breach of privilege.
In his now-deleted tweet, the AAP MLA remarked that discussions were taking place in the absence of ministers. “Who will respond on behalf of the government?” he questioned on X.
This post led to a commotion in the assembly, with BJP MLAs demanding action against the AAP representative from Tilak Nagar.
Parvesh Verma, the Public Works Department (PWD) minister in the newly-formed cabinet led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, labeled the incident “a serious matter,” stressing that photography during the session is forbidden.
BJP MLA Ajay Mahawar insisted that Mr. Singh’s phone “be confiscated,” further stating that the matter “should be referred to the committee for further action.”
Delhi assembly speaker Vijender Gupta requested Mr. Singh to apologize and delete the tweet. “How did you take the picture? You will delete this tweet. You will apologize and assure us you won’t do it again.”
Mr. Singh expressed remorse regarding his post but contended that he aimed to bring attention to the absence of ministers in the House: “I inquired why the cabinet wasn’t present here. We received no response. I objected to it and tweeted about it. I raised my concern.”
The Speaker interjected, prompting him, “Tell us, will you delete your tweet?”
He subsequently warned Jarnail Singh: “We are issuing a warning to you. The House urges you to delete the tweet.”
He clarified that the live video streaming of the House proceedings is legal visual content, conducted with his consent, but emphasized that no member is permitted to take personal photos or videos.
However, the AAP MLA did not delete the tweet right away, only doing so after the Speaker reiterated the warning when several BJP MLAs pointed out that the photo remained up.
The assembly also experienced a sharp exchange between the ruling BJP and AAP regarding the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on the city’s health infrastructure and management.
The audit reports have served as a significant point of contention between the BJP and AAP in the assembly. Recently, Speaker Gupta suspended all AAP MLAs – including the opposition leader in the House and former Chief Minister Atishi – with one exception, for three days due to their protest against the ruling party.
Today marked the first occasion that the MLAs returned to the assembly following their suspension.