Delhi Assembly Speaker Expresses Disappointment Over Atishi's Absence, Critiques AAP MLAs
Synopsis
Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta expressed disappointment over Atishi's absence and criticized AAP MLAs for their remarks against the Chair. The incident highlights ongoing tensions within the Assembly.
Key Takeaways
Speaker Vijender Gupta expressed regret over Atishi’s absence from the Assembly.
Gupta criticized AAP MLAs for their disrespectful comments about the Chair.
Four AAP MLAs were suspended for disruptive behavior.
Gupta urged the suspended members to apologize instead of blaming the Chair.
The Speaker emphasized the Assembly's need for decorum and proper conduct.
New Delhi, March 24 (NationPress) The Speaker of the Delhi Assembly, Vijender Gupta, conveyed his disappointment on Tuesday regarding the absence of the Leader of the Opposition, Atishi, from the legislative sessions. He also criticized her party's MLAs for their derogatory comments about the Chair following the suspension of four AAP MLAs by the Assembly.
In a reply to Atishi's email requesting the reversal of the suspensions, Gupta stated, “I have previously reminded you that as the Leader of Opposition, it is inappropriate for you to malign the Chair and the House to distract from the failures and misconduct of your party members. Rather than acknowledging and regretting the unacceptable conduct of the AAP Members, you are attempting to blame the Chair.”
“In your current letter, you have 'demanded' that the suspension of the Members be lifted. In reality, the four Members should express remorse for their misconduct and apologize to the House,” Gupta emphasized.
“Contrary to your unfounded claims of authoritarianism and prejudice, the historical records and proceedings of the Assembly demonstrate that under my Chairmanship, the current House has shown greater tolerance and leniency towards Opposition Members than in previous years,” the Speaker noted, asserting that this tolerance cannot compromise the efficient and effective conduct of the Assembly's proceedings.
Detailing the events that led to the suspension of the four AAP MLAs, Gupta remarked, “During our meeting on March 21, I had advised you to attend the session so that the House could deliberate on the matter, as it was the House that suspended the Members and only the House has the authority to reinstate them.”
Despite being aware of the rules and my specific guidance, you chose to abstain from the sittings and, as has been customary, opted to blame the House and the Speaker, he stated.
This behavior is not surprising, as you previously made objectionable comments regarding Sikh Gurus and left the House without attending subsequent sessions despite numerous requests from the Chair, the Speaker added.
The four suspended AAP MLAs – Sanjeev Jha, Kuldeep Kumar, Somdutt, and Jarnail Singh – were penalized for disrupting the proceedings and disregarding the Chair’s directives during the last session of the Delhi Assembly.
Point of View
The recent events in the Delhi Assembly highlight the complexities and challenges of political accountability. The Speaker's remarks emphasize the need for decorum and respect within legislative proceedings, urging all members to adhere to established norms.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Atishi absent from the Delhi Assembly?
Atishi's absence from the Delhi Assembly has raised concerns, particularly in light of the ongoing tensions and issues surrounding the suspension of four AAP MLAs.
What led to the suspension of the four AAP MLAs?
The four AAP MLAs were suspended for disrupting proceedings and not following the Chair's directions during the last sitting of the Delhi Assembly.
What did the Speaker say regarding AAP's conduct?
Speaker Vijender Gupta criticized AAP MLAs for their derogatory remarks about the Chair and emphasized that they should take responsibility for their actions.
How did the Speaker address Atishi's demands?
The Speaker stated that instead of demanding the revocation of suspensions, the suspended members should apologize for their behavior.
What is the significance of this incident in the Assembly?
This incident underscores the ongoing political tensions within the Delhi Assembly and the importance of maintaining decorum and respect among its members.
