Atishi Appeals to Speaker, Claims Injustice Against Opposition MLAs in Delhi Assembly
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Synopsis
On February 28, Leader of the Opposition Atishi wrote to Speaker Vijender Gupta, condemning the treatment of opposition MLAs in the Delhi Assembly. She emphasized the lack of action against ruling party members while highlighting the unfair suspension of opposition members for raising slogans in honor of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar.
Key Takeaways
- Atishi criticizes the treatment of opposition MLAs.
- Ruling party members faced no consequences.
- 21 opposition MLAs were suspended for chanting 'Jai Bhim'.
- Opposition members were denied access to protest.
- Atishi defends the importance of democracy and constitutional rights.
New Delhi, Feb 28 (NationPress) Leader of the Opposition Atishi has addressed a letter to Speaker Vijender Gupta, expressing strong disapproval of the recent occurrences in the Delhi Assembly.
In her correspondence, Atishi highlighted that during the address by the Lieutenant Governor on February 25, members of the ruling party shouted 'Modi-Modi', while opposition members voiced 'Jai Bhim' in honor of Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar.
Atishi raised concerns regarding the lack of repercussions for the ruling party members, while 21 opposition members faced a three-day suspension merely for chanting 'Jai Bhim'.
“I compose this letter with profound sorrow. The essence of democracy lies in its fairness and equality. What transpired in the Delhi Assembly recently is not just a disservice to opposition members but a significant affront to democratic principles,” she articulated.
She further noted that when the suspended MLAs sought to conduct a peaceful demonstration near the statue of Gandhiji within the Assembly grounds, they were obstructed 200 meters away from the assembly gate and denied access.
“This act is an affront not only to the MLAs but also to the mandate bestowed by the populace,” she asserted.
Atishi pointed out that when the current Speaker was in the role of Leader of the Opposition, he was not barred from protesting near the Gandhi statue, even during his suspension from the House. She questioned whether this represents a breach of the Constitution and democratic customs.
She added that in Parliament, when an MP is suspended, they are permitted to protest in front of the Gandhi statue within the premises. Yet, this marks the first occasion in the Delhi Assembly where suspended MLAs have been denied access.
Atishi clarified that the regulation invoked to prevent opposition MLAs does not stipulate that suspended MLAs cannot enter the Assembly grounds or visit the statues of Gandhi and Ambedkar.
In conclusion, Atishi asserted that if the opposition's voice is stifled and legislators are barred from expressing their inquiries, democracy cannot endure.
She implored the Speaker to uphold democratic values and ensure that no legislator is stripped of their constitutional rights.
Atishi also reaffirmed the necessity of safeguarding the Constitution provided by Baba Saheb Ambedkar, which she regards as the cornerstone of democracy.
