New Delhi witnessed a significant political development on Saturday as Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta made a crucial announcement. He revealed that a forensic examination of the contentious Atishi video had concluded the clip remained untampered. Gupta declared his intention to order a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the entire matter.
Forensic Findings and Political Standoff
The video clip has fueled a bitter confrontation between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Aam Aadmi Party for over ten days. Both political factions have exchanged serious accusations regarding insults directed at Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur. BJP legislators consistently argued that Atishi's remarks wounded religious sentiments. They pushed strongly for her disqualification from the Assembly.
In contrast, AAP leaders maintained the video was manipulated. They demanded the disqualification of BJP minister Kapil Mishra for circulating what they called a doctored recording.
Speaker Presents Forensic Science Laboratory Report
Addressing journalists at a press conference, Speaker Vijender Gupta presented the official findings. "The FSL report is now received and it clearly establishes that there is no tampering with the audio-video recording of the house proceedings," Gupta stated firmly. "The verbatim record and the audio-video are an exact match."
He explained his decision to involve the CBI by referencing serious concerns. Gupta pointed to questions about parallel investigations and potential misuse of state agencies. This comment alluded to a separate forensic examination conducted by Punjab Police. That earlier report had declared the video clip to be doctored.
Conflicting Claims from Political Leaders
Delhi AAP convener Saurabh Bharadwaj presented a counter-narrative. He claimed investigations by the Delhi government's forensic team and the Punjab Police proved a critical point. Bharadwaj asserted these reports conclusively showed Atishi never uttered the word "guru" in the video.
"Yet, BJP minister Kapil Mishra circulated a fake video to accuse Atishi and ended up committing an act of sacrilege against Gurus himself," Bharadwaj alleged. "As all investigations exposed the falsehood, minister Kapil Mishra should be dismissed."
Speaker Gupta directly contradicted this claim during his press briefing. "During my press conference, I read the FSL report, which clearly stated that Atishi used the word ‘guru' in the house," he said.
Chief Minister and Punjab CM Weigh In
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also commented on the situation on Saturday. She expressed disappointment with AAP's approach. Instead of admitting any mistake, she said, AAP "resorted" to the Punjab government, Punjab Police, and Punjab's forensic lab to "suppress the truth". She labeled this tactic as unfortunate.
"The FSL report made it clear that the video of the unparliamentary and shameful remark made by leader of opposition Atishiji... is 100% authentic," the Chief Minister asserted. "The AAP leaders should apologise to the country for insulting the Gurus."
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, a senior AAP functionary, offered a starkly different perspective. Mann stated categorically that Atishi "said nothing about Guru Sahibs". He accused the BJP of insulting the Gurus by "adding" subtitles to the original video.
"The court has also made its position clear, but if BJP believes that CBI is above even the forensic laboratory, it should order a CBI probe," Mann remarked. Atishi herself has previously denied all charges against her.
Further Reactions and Demands
BJP minister Kapil Mishra reiterated his stance, saying Atishi's "sin" was verified by the FSL report. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva called for concrete action against Atishi. Meanwhile, AAP's Sanjeev Jha raised a technical query. He noted the speaker did not clarify whether the word ‘Guru’ was actually spoken, as the forensic laboratory gave no specific finding on that particular point.
The controversy remains deeply polarized, with each side firmly entrenched in its position. The announcement of a CBI probe introduces a new chapter in this ongoing political and religious dispute.
