AAP Accuses BJP of ‘Photo Swap’ in CMO, BJP Calls it 'Fake News'

Synopsis

The Delhi Assembly's first session witnessed a heated exchange between BJP and AAP over claims of a 'photo swap' involving B.R. Ambedkar and PM Modi in the CM's office. AAP leaders accused the BJP of disrespect, while the BJP demanded an apology for these allegations.

Key Takeaways

Debate in Delhi Assembly: AAP and BJP clashed over alleged photo removals.
Kejriwal's Statement: Urged the BJP to keep Ambedkar's photo alongside Modi's.
BJP's Response: Denied allegations and demanded an apology from Atishi.
Ongoing Tensions: AAP's claims linked to recent electoral losses.
Upcoming CAG Report: Expected to address AAP's excise policy.

New Delhi, Feb 24 (NationPress) The inaugural session of the new Delhi Assembly on Monday was marked by intense confrontations between the ruling BJP and the Opposition AAP regarding an alleged ‘Ambedkar-PM Modi photo swap’ in Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s office.

Former Chief Ministers and AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi accused the BJP of showing disrespect to B.R. Ambedkar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh by removing their portraits from the CM’s office. In response, the ruling party claimed that AAP was disseminating falsehoods to compensate for their rejection by both Dalit and Sikh voters in the recent Assembly elections.

The BJP also called for an apology from Atishi for her allegations regarding the removal of these significant leaders' portraits from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).

Atishi initially brought the issue to light in the Assembly and subsequently spoke to the media following the adjournment. Kejriwal later echoed her concerns on social media.

Kejriwal shared on X, “The new BJP government of Delhi removed Baba Saheb's photo and replaced it with Prime Minister Modi's picture. This is inappropriate and has offended millions of Baba Saheb's followers. I urge the BJP to retain Baba Saheb's photo while displaying the Prime Minister’s.”

Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva expressed regret that AAP leaders continue to spread lies despite their electoral defeat.

He noted that AAP was unsuccessful in Sikh-majority and Dalit-populated areas during the last elections. “In their frustration, Atishi chose to propagate untruths from the Assembly,” he stated.

Sachdeva clarified that the portraits of esteemed figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, B.R. Ambedkar, Bhagat Singh, the President of India, and the Prime Minister are still prominently displayed in the Chief Minister's and all ministers' offices in Delhi—something easily verifiable.

Sharing images of the CMO showcasing the portraits of these leaders, the Delhi BJP President condemned AAP's actions, labeling it disgraceful.

The dispute erupted in the afternoon following a visit by AAP leaders, led by Atishi, to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s office during a break in the Assembly.

Upon the resumption of the session, Atishi raised concerns regarding the alleged disrespect shown to the Dalit icon and freedom fighters through the removal of their photos.

This led to a chaotic scene in the House, with BJP members protesting against her claims. Subsequently, the House was adjourned by new Speaker Vijender Gupta, who criticized Atishi's unparliamentary behavior in raising the issue without permission.

On Tuesday, a contentious CAG report concerning the AAP government's now-repealed excise policy is anticipated to be presented after Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena's address to the House.

The BJP, now holding the treasury benches after 27 years, has 48 MLAs in the Assembly, while the AAP controls 22 seats.