Delhi opposition accuses speaker of bias, seeks equal voice

NEW DELHI: As the Delhi Assembly gears up for its Budget Session, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Atishi has accused Speaker Vijender Gupta of favoring the ruling party and suppressing opposition voices. In a strongly worded letter, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader demanded fair treatment for opposition MLAs, citing what she called an “undemocratic imbalance” in proceedings.

Atishi alleged that BJP legislators dominated 86% of speaking time during the February-March session, while AAP MLAs were restricted to just 14%—a stark contrast to AAP’s 32% seat share in the Assembly. She also denounced the suspension of AAP lawmakers and their removal from the premises, calling it a violation of legislative norms.

Raising specific incidents, Atishi pointed to February 25, when AAP MLAs chanting “Jai Bheem” were forcibly evicted during the Lieutenant Governor’s address, while BJP members shouting “Modi, Modi” faced no consequences. She also challenged the Speaker’s decision to bar suspended legislators from Assembly grounds, calling it an unprecedented move in independent India.

On March 3, AAP lawmakers reportedly faced frequent interruptions, with Atishi’s microphone allegedly switched off mid-speech. Meanwhile, BJP members, who used terms like “chor” (thief), were not similarly censured. The LoP further accused the Speaker of disregarding opposition objections while permitting interventions from the ruling side.

Atishi’s letter outlined key demands: proportional speaking time, access to Assembly premises for suspended MLAs, and impartial enforcement of decorum rules. She warned that suppressing the opposition effectively silences 44% of Delhi’s voters and compromises the integrity of legislative debate.

Neither the Speaker’s office nor BJP leaders have issued a response to these allegations. The controversy unfolds as Delhi’s political climate remains tense, with the upcoming Budget Session expected to feature heated discussions on financial policies and governance issues.