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New Delhi: Proceedings in the Delhi assembly were disrupted for the third consecutive day on Wednesday as BJP legislators protested alleged remarks made by Leader of Opposition Atishi, accusing her of insulting Sikh Guru Guru Tegh Bahadur. The repeated protests led to multiple adjournments during the Winter Session.
Minister Pravesh Verma said the issue was raised by the government during a discussion in the House on Tuesday, but alleged that Atishi neither participated in the debate nor attended it. He claimed that Atishi used inappropriate and offensive language while referring to Sikh Gurus.
"We have submitted a written letter to the Speaker demanding that Atishi's membership be cancelled. Every citizen of the country is deeply hurt. Our Gurus sacrificed themselves along with their families. Their insult has hurt public sentiment," Verma said.
Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa also criticised Atishi, calling the alleged remarks insulting and unacceptable. "A case should be registered against her and her membership cancelled. Those who insult Guru Tegh Bahadur do not belong in the House," Sirsa said.
Sirsa further alleged that Atishi, who had repeatedly demanded a discussion on air pollution in the Assembly, did not attend proceedings on Tuesday. "She must have seen the recording by now, which is why she did not come," he claimed.
The controversy erupted during a discussion on the Delhi government's programme commemorating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, held in November last year. BJP legislators demanded a public apology from Atishi during the debate, according to news agency ANI.
While BJP members accused Atishi of using "insensitive words", opposition AAP legislators disputed the allegations, claiming that no disrespect was shown. Party sources said there was no disruption or derogatory remark made during the proceedings and termed the BJP's claims "factually false".
AAP leaders also criticised Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta, alleging that she had misstated historical facts related to freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, adding to the political confrontation in the House.
Amid the uproar, Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta described the matter as sensitive and said he would review the video footage of the proceedings. "After examining the recording, a censure motion can be brought tomorrow," he said.
