Opposition Protests Outside Delhi Assembly During Budget Session
Opposition Voices Concerns Over Democratic Principles
As the budget session commenced in the Delhi Assembly, opposition leader Atishi and other members of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) staged a protest outside the assembly. The party's leaders accused the government of suppressing dissenting voices and undermining democratic values. During the session, AAP legislators displayed posters and chanted slogans like "Stop the Murder of Democracy" while expressing their discontent against the government.
Atishi Criticizes Government's Actions
Atishi, the opposition leader and AAP MLA, asserted that the BJP is intent on dismantling democracy. She emphasized their presence outside the assembly, which she referred to as the temple of democracy. She questioned the grounds on which opposition members are being expelled from the house, stating that anyone who attempts to speak is removed, and those raising issues, whether related to water or electricity, face suspension. She condemned this approach as a means to silence opposition voices and a tactic to kill democracy.
Concerns Over Law and Order
Atishi also targeted the government regarding law and order in Delhi, highlighting that police fail to respond promptly to crimes in areas like Bawana and Khanpur, while a heavy police presence is deployed to prevent legislators from entering the assembly. Senior AAP leader Gopal Rai echoed these sentiments, criticizing the BJP government for attempting to run the assembly without opposition. He noted that four legislators were suspended in the previous session and are now barred from participating in the budget session, which he deemed undemocratic. Consequently, all legislators are protesting outside the assembly.
AAP Leaders Demand Entry for Suspended Legislators
The leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party declared that they would not participate in the proceedings until their four suspended legislators—Sanjay Jha, Kuldeep Kumar, Jarnail Singh, and Somdatt—are allowed back into the assembly, vowing to continue their protest.