Inside the Delhi Assembly on Thursday. (Amit Mehra)
As a tussle between the BJP and AAP continued for the third consecutive day over Leader of Opposition (LoP) Atishi’s alleged “disrespectful” remark on Guru Tegh Bahadur during the Winter Session of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, Speaker Vijender Gupta on Thursday directed a forensic probe into the purported video of the LoP’s statement. The Speaker also extended the Winter Session — originally scheduled from January 5 to 8 — for another day to allow pending discussions, and placing of Bills.
With placards and posters in their hands, BJP MLAs on Thursday shouted slogans demanding Atishi’s resignation and condemning the alleged insult to the Sikh Guru, while trooping into the well of the House. The MLAs also demanded the cancellation of the LoP’s House membership.
AAP MLAs, meanwhile, also started raising slogans and demanded the resignation of Karawal Nagar MLA and Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, alleging that he posted an “edited” and “fake” video of Atishi’s statements on social media platforms, claiming that it was an insult to the Guru.
The ruckus forced the adjournment of the House twice — initially for 10 minutes and then for 30 minutes. The Speaker even called two MLAs each from the ruling and the opposition parties at his office to discuss the matter.
The BJP MLAs, however, continued shouting slogans.
Gupta has sought a report of the forensic investigation into the video of Atishi’s statement within 15 days. Further, noting that the LoP was absent from the House proceedings despite repeated reminders, he referred the matter to the Privileges Committee.
“Keeping in view the seriousness of the matter relating to the alleged remarks regarding Sikh Gurus and the dignity of the House, I am referring the entire issue to the Committee of Privileges for examination and report. I am also sending the video recording related to the remarks of LoP Atishi to the forensic laboratory for examination,” said Gupta.
He extended the Winter Session while noting that discussions on other matters could not be taken up owing to the protests.
On Friday, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will present the first batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for financial year 2025-2026, and introduce The Delhi Appropriation (No.1) Bill, 2026.
Besides, the Janvishwas Bill will be introduced by PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh and the Delhi Shops and Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2026 by Law Minister Kapil Mishra.
Further, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa will make a statement on the present status of the environment in Delhi and the major steps being taken by the government to control pollution.
“It is important that the people of Delhi are presented with the truth about what the previous government did or failed to do in the name of pollution control over the past 11 years … Atishi remained absent from the House over the past two days, despite repeatedly questioning why a discussion on pollution was not taking place. When the opportunity for debate was available, she chose not to be present. I urge her and her colleagues to participate in the discussion tomorrow (Friday),” said Sirsa.
However, CAG reports on issues like former CM Arvind Kejriwal’s residence and the Jan Vishwas Bill will now only be tabled in the next Assembly session, slated for March.