New Delhi: The recent suspension of 21 Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs from the Delhi Assembly has ignited a fierce political standoff between the AAP and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The suspension, which was ordered by Speaker Vijender Gupta, followed a chaotic session where AAP legislators protested against the alleged removal of B.R. Ambedkar’s portrait from the Chief Minister’s office. This dramatic turn of events highlights the escalating tensions between the two parties, with Leader of Opposition Atishi condemning the move as an injustice to the opposition and a blow to democratic values.
In a strongly worded letter to Speaker Gupta, Atishi emphasized that the suspension not only undermines the rights of the opposition but also erodes the foundations of democracy. She pointed out that while BJP MLAs were allowed to raise slogans without repercussions, AAP members were penalized for chanting “Jai Bhim,” a slogan honoring Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. This disparity in treatment has sparked accusations of bias and raised questions about the fairness of the Assembly’s proceedings.
The suspension of 21 out of 22 AAP MLAs, including Atishi herself, was prompted by their disruption of Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena’s inaugural address. The motion for suspension was moved by Minister Parvesh Verma, while Okhla MLA Amanatullah Khan was the only AAP legislator spared due to his absence during the protest. The incident has also led to the extension of the Assembly session by two days until March 1, further intensifying the political climate in Delhi.
Moreover, the suspended MLAs were barred from entering the Assembly premises to stage a peaceful protest, a move that Atishi described as an unprecedented violation of democratic rights. Traditionally, even suspended members have been allowed to protest within the Assembly grounds, a practice that has been observed in both state legislatures and the Parliament of India. This restriction has heightened tensions, with AAP leaders accusing the BJP of suppressing the opposition’s voice and undermining the democratic process.
