In a surprising turn, AAP leader Atishi accused Delhi Assembly authorities of barring AAP MLAs from entering the premises, citing orders from the Speaker. This unprecedented move has heightened tensions, with Atishi labeling it a first in India's parliamentary history. Atishi voiced concerns over the use of police enforcement to restrict entry, labeling it as unusual. Meanwhile, BJP leaders defended the Speaker's actions, emphasizing adherence to legislative norms. The controversy arose following the Speaker's suspension of 12 AAP MLAs, including Atishi, ahead of the CAG report's presentation. In protest, AAP staged a demonstration, branding the move as unconstitutional. Atishi maintains that suspension doesn't equal restriction from assembly premises, as upheld in other legislative settings.
AAP Leader Atishi Claims AAP MLAs Barred from Delhi Assembly Premises; BJP Defends Speaker's Actions
In a dramatic turn of events, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Assembly Leader of Opposition, Atishi, accused authorities of barring AAP MLAs from entering the Delhi Vidhan Sabha premises based on orders from the Speaker. This action, unfolding on Thursday, has sparked tension, with Atishi labeling it "unprecedented."
Describing the incident to reporters, Atishi remarked, "Police are claiming AAP MLAs are prohibited from entering the Delhi Assembly premises, following directives from the Speaker. Such a scenario is unheard of in the parliamentary history of our nation."
Atishi criticized the Speaker's decision to restrict the entry of elected representatives and highlighted the involvement of police enforcement as concerning. "Suspended MLAs typically face restrictions on House entry. However, being stopped 50 meters away using police barricades is unprecedented in any legislative body's history," she asserted. Despite the suspension, she emphasized AAP's commitment to resist.
On the other side, BJP leaders justified the Speaker's decision. BJP MLA Satish Upadhyay stated, "The House must operate by law. If disruptions occur, the Speaker's decision stands final." MLA Ravindra Singh Negi urged AAP to respect constitutional norms, adding, "They need to realize they are no longer in power."
Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma criticized AAP MLAs, asserting, "Sloganeering during the LG's address is unacceptable."
The controversy escalated following the Speaker's suspension of 12 AAP MLAs, including Atishi and Gopal Rai, prior to the CAG report's presentation. In response to their denied entry, Atishi and her colleagues staged a protest outside the Assembly, holding 'Jai Bhim' placards, denouncing the measure as "undemocratic and unconstitutional."
Speaking to ANI, Atishi questioned the unprecedented nature of the action, stating, "Even in Parliament, suspended members protest under the Gandhi statue. This preventive action is unjustified."
Citing other legislative examples, she argued, "Suspended legislators are never prevented from accessing Assembly premises. Protests continue even in events of suspension, as witnessed under Gandhi's statue in Parliament."
Reiterating her point, she stated, "Suspension from the House doesn't equate to suspension from entering the Assembly premises. As elected officials, we have a right to the Assembly premises."
As the situation develops, AAP persists in protesting against suspension and entry limitations, accusing the BJP-led government of undermining democratic principles.
