From Being Ejected to Leading the Assembly: BJP’s Vijender Gupta Becomes Speaker of Delhi Assembly
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Synopsis
Vijender Gupta, a veteran BJP leader, has been elected as the Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, taking on a pivotal role in overseeing the assembly's proceedings. Known for his strong leadership, Gupta aims to bring transparency and accountability to the government.
Key Takeaways
- Vijender Gupta elected as Speaker of Delhi Assembly
- Three-time MLA from Rohini constituency
- Previously served as Leader of the Opposition
- Advocated for transparency in governance
- Faced challenges including being marshalled out
New Delhi, Feb 24 (NationPress) A prominent leader of the BJP, Vijender Gupta, has been appointed as the Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly on Monday. Representing the Rohini constituency, Gupta is a three-time MLA who is now entrusted with the vital role of overseeing the operations of the Delhi Assembly.
Born on August 14, 1963, Gupta has been an influential personality in the political landscape of Delhi. He is well-known for his robust leadership and determination. His political journey includes serving as the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), where he notably challenged the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) dominant presence in the Assembly.
Gupta’s uncompromising stance on governance often resulted in intense confrontations, including physical altercations with the marshals. In June 2015, he was forcefully removed from the House by marshals after demanding the government present the Fourth Delhi Finance Commission report. His protests escalated in October 2016 when he climbed atop a table in the Assembly to express his dissent. Likewise, in November 2024, Gupta and his fellow BJP MLAs were ejected after a heated discussion concerning Delhi's law and order.
In spite of these obstacles, Gupta remained a tenacious and outspoken leader, particularly advocating for transparency and accountability in the Delhi government’s operations. His persistent calls for the presentation of crucial reports, including those from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), have earned him a reputation as a formidable leader. As the newly elected Speaker, he is expected to ensure that these reports, which were reportedly withheld by the preceding AAP government, are finally presented in the House, reflecting his pledge to transparency.
Gupta’s election as Speaker was ratified on February 24, following a voice vote in the Assembly. The proposal for his candidacy was made by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, with BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa providing support. Following the announcement, in a traditional gesture, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and the Leader of the Opposition escorted him to the Speaker's chair, highlighting a moment of bipartisanship.
Additionally, Gupta has previously held the position of president of the BJP’s Delhi unit, playing a crucial role in formulating the party’s strategy within the region. His leadership was vital in achieving victories in challenging electoral scenarios, notably during the 2015 Delhi Assembly elections, where Gupta emerged as one of the few BJP candidates to succeed.
