The Winter Session of the Delhi Legislative Assembly witnessed unprecedented chaos for the third straight day on Thursday, leading Speaker Vijender Gupta to extend the session by a day and order a forensic investigation into a controversial video involving Leader of Opposition Atishi. The session, originally slated from January 5 to 8, will now conclude on January 9.
Chaos and Adjournments Over Alleged Remarks
The core of the disruption was a tussle between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over a purported video of Atishi making a statement deemed disrespectful towards the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur. BJP MLAs, carrying placards and posters, stormed into the well of the House, shouting slogans demanding Atishi's resignation and the cancellation of her House membership. They condemned what they called an insult to the Sikh Guru.
In a counter-offensive, AAP legislators raised their own slogans, demanding the resignation of Tourism Minister and Karawal Nagar MLA Kapil Mishra. They alleged that Mishra had posted an "edited" and "fake" version of Atishi's statement on social media, which misrepresented her words and fabricated the insult.
The pandemonium forced the Speaker to adjourn the proceedings twice—first for 10 minutes and then for a longer period of 30 minutes. In an attempt to restore order, Speaker Gupta called two MLAs each from the ruling and opposition parties to his office for discussions. Despite these efforts, BJP MLAs continued their protest upon returning to the chamber.
Speaker's Decisive Actions: Probe and Privileges Committee
Taking cognizance of the serious allegations, Speaker Vijender Gupta announced two major decisions. First, he directed that the video recording of Atishi's statement be sent to a forensic laboratory for examination. He has sought the forensic report within 15 days to ascertain the authenticity of the footage in circulation.
Secondly, noting the gravity of the matter concerning alleged remarks about Sikh Gurus and the dignity of the House, Gupta referred the entire issue to the Committee of Privileges for a thorough examination and report. He also pointed out that Atishi was absent from the House proceedings despite repeated reminders, and therefore referred this aspect to the Privileges Committee as well.
"Keeping in view the seriousness of the matter relating to the alleged remarks regarding Sikh Gurus and the dignity of the House, I am referring the entire issue to the Committee of Privileges for examination and report," stated Speaker Gupta.
Extended Session to Clear Legislative Agenda
The Speaker justified the one-day extension of the Winter Session by stating that important discussions and the introduction of several bills were pending due to the protests that consumed the House's time. The extended session on Friday, January 9, is set to be packed with legislative business.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will present the first batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for the 2025-2026 financial year and introduce The Delhi Appropriation (No.1) Bill, 2026. Other key legislations include the Janvishwas Bill, to be introduced by PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh, and the Delhi Shops and Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2026, by Law Minister Kapil Mishra.
Furthermore, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa is scheduled to make a statement on Delhi's environmental status and the government's major steps to control pollution. Sirsa took a dig at the previous AAP government, saying it was important to present the truth about what was done or not done in the name of pollution control over 11 years. He also urged Atishi and her colleagues to participate in the pollution debate on Friday, noting her absence over the past two days.
However, reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) on issues such as former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence and the Jan Vishwas Bill will now be tabled in the next Assembly session, which is scheduled for March.
