A debate on Delhi’s worsening air pollution in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) House on Thursday descended into chaos, with BJP and AAP councillors shouting at each other, throwing water and files, and allegedly attempting to damage microphones.
Marshals eventually escorted Mayor Pravesh Wahi to safety as the confrontation intensified. Congress councillors also joined the heated exchanges.
The trouble began when AAP councillors demanded the immediate release of development funds for their wards. Responding to the demand, Wahi announced the release of Rs 25 lakh in development funds and said a total of Rs 2 crore would be made available to councillors during the current financial year.
The announcement failed to satisfy the AAP councillors, who demanded that the immediate allocation be increased to Rs 1 crore.
As slogans grew louder, AAP councillors moved towards the mayor’s chair, forcing an adjournment of the proceedings for five minutes.
When the House reconvened, the discussion shifted to the capital’s worsening air pollution, with opposition councillors questioning the efforts of the civic body and the government to address the crisis.
The discussion soon turned confrontational, with BJP and AAP councillors threatening physical violence.
Videos showed AAP councillor Shagufta Zubair reaching the mayor’s chair and attempting to break the microphone installed there. Leader of Opposition Ankush Narang also allegedly attempted to damage a microphone.
As the confrontation escalated, water and files were thrown inside the House, prompting marshals to intervene and escort Wahi to safety.
The chaos was further aggravated by a sharp exchange between Congress leader Nazia Danish and Narang.
During her address, Danish criticised the AAP, prompting Narang to accuse her of being close to the BJP. Danish retorted that she was not Shagufta Chaudhary, who later joined the BJP.
The remark triggered another round of heated exchanges, further disrupting proceedings.
The matter has been referred to the House’s disciplinary committee, which will examine the conduct of the councillors involved and decide on further action.
Wahi said action, including suspension, would be taken if recommended by the committee.
“If the committee recommends suspension, we will go ahead with that as well,” he said.