The upcoming Winter Session of the Delhi Legislative Assembly is set to witness a significant political debate as it prepares to table a resolution addressing the ongoing controversy surrounding the 'Phansi Ghar'. This structure, purportedly a British-era execution chamber within the assembly premises, has been under intense scrutiny regarding its historical authenticity.
Key Developments and Committee Actions
On Friday, January 3, 2026, the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of the Delhi Assembly adopted a crucial resolution. The committee, chaired by Speaker Vijender Gupta, decided to bring the issue of the structure's authenticity for formal consideration by the full House during the session.
The matter has followed a specific procedural path. It was initially examined by the Assembly's Committee of Privileges. Following that preliminary inquiry, the Business Advisory Committee took up the issue to decide the appropriate procedural method for its discussion in the House. An official statement clarified that the BAC's role was to determine the course for the House's consideration.
Roots of the Controversy and Political Accusations
The controversy first erupted in August 2025 when Speaker Vijender Gupta made serious allegations against the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. Gupta claimed that the former government, led by then Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, had falsely identified a room in the assembly complex as a historical 'phansi ghar' (hanging house) from the British Raj.
According to the Speaker's allegations, the room was actually a 'tiffin room' historically used for carrying food and other items. Despite this, the AAP government renovated and inaugurated it in 2022 as a memorial symbolizing a British-era execution chamber. This act of memorialization is now at the heart of the dispute.
Notices Issued and Winter Session Schedule
In the earlier phase of the investigation, the Privileges Committee of the Assembly had issued formal notices to key AAP leaders. These notices were sent to Arvind Kejriwal, the national convener of AAP, and Manish Sisodia, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi. Their responses were sought as part of the committee's examination into the matter.
The stage for this resolution is the Winter Session of the Delhi Assembly, which is scheduled to be held from January 5 to January 8, 2026. The resolution to be tabled will formally put the question of the structure's historical claims before the elected members, potentially leading to a debate and a vote.
The outcome of this resolution could have significant political ramifications, as it touches upon the legacy of the previous administration and the use of historical narrative for contemporary political symbolism. The session promises to be a closely watched event in Delhi's political calendar.
