Arvind Kejriwal Addresses Delhi Assembly's Privilege Committee Over 'Hanging House' Controversy

Kejriwal's Appearance Before the Privilege Committee

Former Chief Minister and national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party, Arvind Kejriwal, appeared before the Delhi Assembly's privilege committee on Friday regarding the 'hanging house' issue. During the meeting chaired by Pradyuman Singh Rajput, Kejriwal provided clarification about declaring a shaft within the assembly premises as a 'hanging house' and opening it to the public.

The privilege committee included legislators such as Surya Prakash Khatri, Abhay Kumar Verma, Ajay Kumar Mahawar, Satish Upadhyay, Neeraj Basoya, Ravi Kant, Ram Singh Netaji, and Surendra Kumar.

Background of the Controversy

This matter was initially raised by Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, questioning the authenticity of the 'hanging house' inaugurated on August 9, 2022, within the assembly complex. Kejriwal emphasized that the assembly is a historic building, constructed in 1912 during British rule when the capital was moved from Kolkata to Delhi. In 2022, efforts by then-Speaker Ram Niwas Goyal revealed that a gallows existed in one corner of the building, where freedom fighters were executed.

He further stated that the former Speaker had invited him as Chief Minister to discuss opening the site to tourists for inspiration. Kejriwal claimed that since the current government took office, there have been attempts to disprove the gallows' existence, suggesting it was merely a tiffin room, which he deemed a significant insult to freedom fighters.

Kejriwal's Concerns for Delhi

Kejriwal expressed that the people of Delhi are suffering and longing for the return of the Aam Aadmi Party's governance. He highlighted the city's deteriorating conditions, with garbage strewn everywhere, severe pollution, damaged roads, and closed neighborhood clinics. He lamented the lack of medicines in hospitals, stating that if any committee had approached him for advice on fixing sewers or roads, he would have gladly shared his experience. He emphasized that his concern lies solely in improving Delhi, regardless of which party is in power, but criticized the current government's lack of interest in managing the city.