Kejriwal, AAP Leaders Defy Delhi Assembly Summons in Phansi-Ghar Controversy
The political tussle in Delhi escalated further as Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and key Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders once again ignored summons from the Delhi Assembly’s Privileges Committee over the contentious “Phansi-ghar” (hanging house) remark. The AAP has dismissed the summons as “politically motivated,” intensifying the face-off between the ruling party and the opposition BJP.
What Is the Phansi-Ghar Controversy?
The dispute began when AAP MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj allegedly remarked, “Yeh sarkar phansi-ghar bana rahi hai” (“This government is creating a hanging house”) during a heated Assembly debate. The BJP accused him of using inflammatory language and demanded action.
In response, the Privileges Committee—headed by BJP MLA Vijender Gupta—summoned Kejriwal, Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, and other AAP leaders to clarify if they endorsed Bhardwaj’s statement.
AAP’s Stand: ‘BJP’s Political Vendetta’
The AAP has vehemently opposed the summons, calling them a “witch-hunt” and legally invalid. In a letter to the committee, Kejriwal argued that legislative debates fall under parliamentary privilege and cannot be questioned.
AAP spokesperson Atishi accused the BJP of “diverting attention from real issues like inflation and unemployment.” She claimed, “This is pure vendetta politics to harass opposition leaders.”
BJP’s Response: ‘Respect Legislative Norms’
BJP leaders, however, insist that accountability is non-negotiable. Vijender Gupta, the committee chairman, stated, “If they’re innocent, why avoid the summons? Derogatory remarks undermine the Assembly’s dignity.”
Legal & Political Fallout
Constitutional experts remain split—some argue legislative immunity protects such remarks, while others believe privilege committees can intervene if decorum is breached. The clash could worsen AAP-BJP relations ahead of the 2024 elections.
What’s Next?
With AAP leaders refusing to comply, the BJP may push for stricter penalties, including censure. Meanwhile, the AAP could challenge any punitive action in court.
As Delhi’s political drama unfolds, the “Phansi-ghar” row continues to fuel tensions, leaving citizens caught in the crossfire of yet another BJP-AAP showdown.
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