A new controversy has erupted during the Delhi Assembly session after opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs were barred from entering the Assembly premises. This action followed the suspension of 21 AAP MLAs for the entire session on its second day. Now, these suspended MLAs are also being denied entry, prompting a b reaction from the AAP.
Atishi Attacks BJP Government
Senior AAP leader Atishi condemned the move as authoritarian. She alleged that the MLAs were suspended for chanting "Jai Bhim." Atishi posted on X (formerly Twitter), "Since the BJP government came to power, it has crossed the limits of authoritarianism. Aam Aadmi Party MLAs have been suspended for three days for chanting 'Jai Bhim' and are now being prevented from entering the Assembly premises. This is happening for the first time in the history of the Delhi Assembly, where elected MLAs are being barred from entering the premises."
Suspended MLAs to Possibly Meet Speaker
On the third day of the Assembly session, suspended Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs remained unable to access the Assembly. However, these MLAs plan to meet with Speaker, B.L. Sharma. Notably, on the second day of the session, during the Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena's address, AAP MLAs created a ruckus, leading the Speaker to suspend 21 MLAs for three days. This suspension will remain in effect until Friday, February 28th.
It is noteworthy that AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan was absent from the Assembly, hence no suspension action was taken against him.
Delhi Assembly Proceedings and Upcoming Discussions
The Delhi Assembly session commenced on Thursday, February 27th, at 11:00 AM. The day's agenda includes the election of the Deputy Speaker and discussions on Delhi's liquor policy. Initially, members will discuss important matters under Rule 280 (Special Mentions), followed by the Deputy Speaker's election.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has proposed Mohan Singh Bisht for the Deputy Speaker position, seconded by Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa. Opposition Leader Anil Kumar Sharma will also propose the same, seconded by Gajendra Singh Yadav.
Furthermore, discussions will be held on the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on Delhi's liquor policy, which was tabled in the House on February 25th.
With 21 out of 22 AAP MLAs suspended, the likelihood of disruptions within the Assembly is considered low, although the party's demonstrations may continue outside.
