Phansi-ghar row: panel report seeks ‘proper action’ against Kejriwal

The Committee of Privileges of the Delhi Assembly on Tuesday submitted a report recommending that the House take “proper action” against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal and others in connection with the inauguration of a “fake” phansi-ghar (execution room) on the Assembly premises.

The report also held that the failure of Mr. Kejriwal and others to appear before the Committee amounted to “contempt” of both the House and the Committee.  Speaker Vijender Gupta said the report would be taken up for discussion in the Assembly on Wednesday.

“The BJP knows that a serious debate on pollution will expose its failures before the entire country and the world. That is why it is eager to talk about a so-called ‘phansi-ghar’ issue, but refuses to allow a discussion on pollution,” AAP said in response.

The session began with BJP MLAs protesting inside the House, demanding an apology from AAP for allegedly “lying” about a government order stating that teachers had been deployed for duties related to counting stray dogs. The Speaker later referred the matter to the department-related standing committee on education.

Outside the Assembly, AAP leaders staged a protest accusing the BJP of evading a discussion on air pollution. “Children are suffering due to air pollution. When AAP asks for a discussion, the BJP runs away,” Leader of the Opposition Atishi said. In response, the Speaker said adequate time would be allotted for discussion on the issue.

The House later witnessed disruptions after BJP MLAs accused Ms. Atishi of insulting Guru Tegh Bahadur during a debate and demanded an apology.

‘Misleading remarks’

Meanwhile, Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood wrote to Mr. Kejriwal seeking a public apology over “malicious and misleading statements” about teachers being deployed to count stray dogs. Mr. Kejriwal had earlier posted a circular on X claiming that teachers were tasked with non-teaching duties.

“These assertions are not only incorrect but also amount to a serious misrepresentation of facts. The government circular on this matter is already in the public domain… We will not let the ‘loot and scoot’ politics of Arvind Kejriwal run in Delhi,” Mr. Sood said at a press conference.

Mr. Kejriwal and AAP were yet to respond to Mr. Sood’s letter till the time of going to press. AAP has said that a circular by the Directorate of Education’s Deputy Director (Northwest) listed teachers from schools for stray duties.