New Delhi: In a dramatic escalation of political tensions in Delhi Assembly Speaker, Vijender Gupta has suspended 15 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), including the party’s Leader of Opposition, Atishi. The suspension, announced on Tuesday, has fueled a growing confrontation between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and AAP, coinciding with an intense debate over the findings of the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) reports.
The exchange between the two parties reached a boiling point following the presentation of the CAG report, which includes allegations of corruption against former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, particularly in connection with the controversial liquor policy. The BJP has accused Kejriwal of involvement in a scam linked to this policy, further intensifying the political standoff.
Adding to the controversy, the CAG report also highlighted potential financial mismanagement in the renovation of Kejriwal’s official residence, Sheesh Mahal, during his tenure. Allegations suggest that public funds were excessively used for luxury improvements.
In a further turn of events, a dispute emerged regarding the removal of portraits of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and revolutionary Bhagat Singh from the Chief Minister’s office. The BJP has been accused of replacing these portraits with one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a move that sparked outrage among AAP members. In response, AAP leaders staged protests both inside and outside the assembly, chanting “Jai Bhim” and displaying pictures of Ambedkar.
Atishi condemned the portrait change, questioning the BJP’s intentions. “The BJP has replaced the portrait of Dr. Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar with that of PM Modi in the CM’s office and cabinet ministers’ offices. Is PM Modi bigger than Dr. BR Ambedkar? We will continue our protest until Ambedkar’s portrait is reinstated,” she said.
This heated political clash follows the BJP’s strong performance in the Delhi assembly elections earlier this month, where the party secured 48 out of 70 seats, leaving AAP with just 22. As the debate over the CAG reports continues, the standoff between the two parties shows no sign of abating.
