On February 24, 2025, the first session of the newly elected Delhi Assembly began with tensions boiling over allegations of anti-Dalit sentiments, as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of removing the portraits of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and revolutionary leader Bhagat Singh from the Chief Minister’s office. This conflict emerged as the assembly turned tumultuous, reflecting the fierce political rivalry between the two parties.
AMLA representatives from both sides took their oaths, celebrating the legislature’s diversity by doing so in multiple languages, including Hindi, English, and Punjabi. The BJP has returned to power with 48 MLALs, pushing AAP down to 22 seats, reflecting the significant changes following the recent elections.
Leader of the Opposition, Atishi, led the charge against the BJP, asserting, “The Bharatiya Janata Party today has shown its anti-Dalit and anti-Sikh face to the country.” She emphasized the removal of the portraits as evidence of an anti-Dalit mindset. Speaking to reporters, she showcased photographs from her time as Chief Minister, claiming to show the portraits were once present but not now.
Atishi’s claims sparked uproar during the assembly session, prompting AAP MLALs to chant slogans condemning the BJP. Meanwhile, CM Rekha Gupta defended her party’s actions, countering the allegations by saying, “This is their tactic to hide their corruption and misdeeds behind Babasaheb Ambedkar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh.” Her remarks sought to refocus the discussion on AAP's past, as she urged the assembly members to maintain order instead of resorting to political theatrics.
Arvind Kejriwal, the AAP's national convenor, also weighed in, condemning the BJP’s actions on social media and saying, “The new BJP government has removed Babasaheb’s portrait and replaced it with Prime Minister Modi’s. This is not right and has hurt the sentiments of crores of Babasaheb’s followers.” His plea demonstrated the emotional weight such portraits hold for many constituents.
The BJP quickly responded to AAP's claims by posting images of the Chief Minister's office, asserting the portraits were not removed but merely repositioned. Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor vehemently denied AAP’s assertions, labeling them “baseless.”
Speaker Vijender Gupta, amid chaotic scenes, lambasted the AAP for their tactics, stating, “On the first day of the session, this behaviour is unacceptable. I strongly condemn it.” The assembly was briefly adjourned as tempers flared on both sides.
Further criticisms flowed from BJP members, who accused AAP of attempting to distract from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports due to be presented shortly after the uproar. They indicated these reports would expose alleged corruption during the AAP's previous governance. BJP MLA Shikha Rai commented on the situation, expressing disappointment at the opposition's lack of decorum during what was meant to be the inaugural session of the assembly.
After the assembly was re-convened, the atmosphere remained charged, with AAP continuing to assert their position against the supposed disregard of Ambedkar's legacy. AAP MLALs amplified their protesting slogans outside the assembly, echoing sentiments surrounding the treatment of Dalits and Sikhs.
The cabinet reshuffle has manifested not just political change but also ideological clashes, raising questions about representation and the symbols honored within governmental spaces. Rekha Gupta stressed the importance of displaying the portraits of the nation’s leaders, including the Prime Minister and President, hinting at issues of hierarchy and representation.
“This is the room of the CM, and we have provided space for all prominent figures including Mahatma Gandhi,” Gupta added, defending her decision and maintaining her stance on honoring respected figures of Indian history.
The clash on this symbolic issue reflects broader political tensions as the assembly prepares to address pressing governance issues amid accusations and counterclaims. With the CAG reports set for debate, all eyes will remain on how this discord plays out among the representatives and their constituencies moving forward.
Delhi’s political arena is heating up as the new BJP administration seeks to assert its authority, focusing on development claims aggressively countered by AAP’s accusations of historical neglect and anti-ideological stances. The outcome of this assembly session could play pivotal role in shaping the public’s perception of both parties.