Atishi slams Assembly functioning

The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Delhi Assembly, Atishi, has written to Speaker Vijender Gupta raising serious concerns over the functioning of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, stating that the treatment meted out to the Opposition since the formation of the eighth Assembly is not in line with democratic values or established legislative procedures.

Referring to the conduct of proceedings across sessions, she has urged the Speaker to ensure that the House is run in a fair, lawful, and democratic manner.

Earlier, addressing a press conference, Atishi demanded the immediate revocation of the suspension, warning that if the decision is not rolled back, the Opposition will completely boycott the Budget session and no AAP MLA will participate in the proceedings. She asserted that if the voice of the people is not allowed inside the House, it will be raised on the streets. However, she said, the legislature, Parliament or Assembly, does not belong only to the ruling side. Along with the ruling party, the Opposition also has an important role in the Assembly. Parliament and Assemblies exist so that elected representatives of the people can sit there and raise the voice of the public. They can question government policies and highlight before both the public and the government the work that is not being carried out properly.

In the letter to the speaker, Atishi stated, “After the formation of the Eighth Assembly, both the ruling party and the Opposition unanimously elected you as Speaker with the expectation that, given your experience, the House would function in a democratic and lawful manner. It is well known that in a democratic system, the Legislative Assembly is not merely a platform for the government but a powerful institution run through the participation of both the ruling party and the Opposition, where the House functions through healthy discussion, dialogue, and deliberation. The responsibility of the Opposition is to raise issues in the House and hold the government accountable if it ignores public interest or fails to act in accordance with its promises.”

The Delhi Assembly LoP said, “However, it is with deep regret that I must state that from the first sitting of the first session to the first sitting of the fourth session, your approach towards the Opposition has been not only concerning but also inconsistent with democratic values.

Expelling the entire Opposition, including the Leader of Opposition, from the House for raising issues of public interest and criticising the Government, and not only from the House but also from the Assembly premises, is against the dignity of the House.”