Atishi Condemns Opposition MLAs’ Suspension In Letter To Delhi Assembly Speaker

Leader of the Opposition Atishi has sent a letter to Speaker Vijender Gupta, expressing strong disapproval of the recent events in the Delhi Assembly.

In her letter, Atishi highlighted that during the Lieutenant Governor’s address on 25 February, ruling party MLAs chanted ‘Modi-Modi’ while opposition MLAs raised slogans of ‘Jai Bhim’ in tribute to Dr. BR Ambedkar.

She pointed out that despite both groups engaging in slogan-chanting, only 21 opposition MLAs suspended for three days.

Expressing deep concern, Atishi wrote, “I am writing this with great pain and anguish at this moment. The biggest strength of democracy is its fairness and equality. But whatever happened in the Delhi Assembly in the past few days is not only an injustice to the MLAs of the opposition but also a severe blow to democratic values.”

Atishi stated that the suspended MLAs tried to stage a peaceful protest near Gandhiji’s statue inside the Assembly premises but were blocked 200 meters from the gate and prevented from entering.

She further added, “This is an insult not only to the MLAs but also to the mandate given by the people.”

Additionally, she noted that when Vijender Gupta was the Leader of the Opposition, no one prevented him from demonstrating at the same spot, even during his suspension.

She questioned whether this action violated constitutional and democratic traditions.

Atishi Highlights Right To Protest In Parliament

Atishi also pointed out that Parliament allows suspended MPs to protest near the Gandhi statue.

Additionally, she claimed this was the first time in the Delhi Assembly that suspended MLAs were denied access to the premises.

She clarified that no rule explicitly states that suspended MLAs cannot enter the Assembly complex or visit statues of Gandhi and Ambedkar.

Concluding her letter, Atishi warned that suppressing the opposition’s voice and preventing legislators from raising issues would threaten democracy.

She urged the Speaker to uphold democratic values and ensure that no legislator is denied their constitutional rights.

She also emphasized the need to safeguard the Constitution drafted by Dr. Ambedkar, which she described as the bedrock of democracy.

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