Delhi Speaker Defends AAP MLAs Suspension, Stresses on Discipline

New Delhi, Feb 28 (NationPress) Expressing astonishment at the lack of awareness among AAP legislators regarding parliamentary norms and decorum, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta elaborated on Friday to the Leader of the Opposition, Atishi, the rationale behind the suspension of AAP MLAs from the assembly.

In addition to corresponding with Atishi, Speaker Gupta addressed the assembly members at the conclusion of the day's proceedings, stating his intention to clarify certain facts to counter the “falsehoods and lies” propagated by Atishi concerning the suspension of 21 Opposition MLAs.

He emphasized that he had replied to Atishi’s letter, received on Friday, and had shared his response with the media, just as Atishi had done.

The Speaker clarified that it was incorrect to claim that AAP MLAs were the first legislators in the nation to be prohibited from entering the assembly premises post-suspension under Rule 277 (Para 3 (d).

He noted that the AAP legislators exhibited rowdy behavior in the assembly on February 24, but did not enforce disciplinary measures against them since it was the inaugural day of the new Assembly.

“Nevertheless, the disruption of the address by Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena to the assembly was contrary to parliamentary conventions and a breach of the code of conduct regulations,” he stated, validating his decision to suspend all AAP legislators from House proceedings for the entire session.

Clarifying the actual situation regarding the physical restrictions placed on AAP MLAs following their suspension, Speaker Gupta explained, “Rule 277 (Para 3 d) explicitly states that members who have been suspended from the House shall be barred from entering the Sutton Premises and from engaging in the proceedings of the House and Committees.”

He noted that when a member is suspended, they are subject to these restrictions, which is a well-established parliamentary procedure.

Speaker Gupta pointed out that following the turmoil on February 25, “In accordance with established rules and parliamentary procedures, a motion was proposed and passed by majority to suspend 21 MLAs for three days due to their disruption of the House's business. This decision was not arbitrary but grounded in parliamentary rules and precedents.”

Seeking to restore order swiftly, Speaker Gupta wrote to Atishi, stating, “I urge you, as the Leader of the Opposition, to motivate your fellow MLAs to uphold the dignity of this House and ensure constructive involvement in its proceedings.”

“The residents of Delhi deserve a responsible and effective Assembly, where serious discussions and decisions are made regarding their concerns,” he remarked.

He expressed regret over the time lost in House business due to disruptions caused by the Opposition legislators.

“I regret to say that instead of addressing significant matters related to the Delhi government, particularly the CAG reports, you have engaged in disruptive actions during the day. These reports pertain to the time when you were part of the government and served as a senior minister and the last minister.”

Earlier in the day, Atishi communicated with the Speaker, stating that if the Opposition's voice is stifled and legislators are prevented from voicing their questions, democracy cannot endure.

She implored the Speaker to safeguard democratic principles and to ensure that no legislator is stripped of their constitutional rights.

Atishi contested the inaction against ruling party MLAs who had shouted slogans of 'Modi-Modi', while 21 opposition MLAs faced suspension solely for voicing 'Jai Bhim' slogans.

“I pen this with immense pain and sorrow at this moment. The greatest strength of democracy lies in its fairness and equality. However, what has transpired in the Delhi Assembly in recent days is not only an injustice to the opposition MLAs but also a significant blow to democratic values,” she conveyed in her correspondence.