Delhi Assembly Shares Controversial Video as Police Cry Foul
The Delhi Legislative Assembly has posted a compilation of video recordings from its proceedings held between January 6 and 9. These videos focus on an alleged remark by former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi that ignited a major controversy. The assembly shared this content on its official social media accounts.
Forensic Report Contradicts Assembly's Caption
The post carries a caption referencing Atishi's remark. Punjab Police previously labeled this remark as "doctored" and "highly inflammatory." They based this assessment on a forensic report. The video, which runs for 14 minutes and 57 seconds, is accompanied by a status mentioning "undignified remarks made by the Leader of the Opposition towards Gurus." It also states that Speaker Vijender Gupta clarified the factual position on the issue.
This caption, which includes the word "guruon" (Gurus), directly contradicts the findings of the Jalandhar Police Commissionerate. In a statement issued on January 9, the police cited a forensic report. That report clearly stated the word "Guru" was not uttered by Atishi in the video clips circulating on social media. Police officials asserted there was deliberate doctoring of the video. They said captions attributed words to her that she never actually spoke.
Atishi has firmly denied all accusations. She has charged the BJP with insulting the Gurus through this entire episode.
Assembly Proceedings Turn Sensitive
During the assembly session on January 6, Delhi ministers Kapil Sharma and Manjinder Singh Sirsa voiced strong objections to Atishi's alleged remark. After a few minutes of discussion, the Speaker described the matter as a very "sensitive" issue.
The following day, on January 7, the Speaker made his position clear. He stated, "It is highly condemnable, what the Leader of Opposition said in assembly... I said yesterday that I would study the verbatim (proceedings). On the basis of the verbatim, objectionable words were spoken. When discussion was on to pay tributes to the Guru Maharaj (Ninth Sikh Guru Teg Bahadur) then unparliamentary words were used, which is highly condemnable."
He continued, "...The opposition should apologise, use of such words is condemnable. What came out in the verbatim is objectionable." The Speaker then urged Leader of the Opposition Atishi to come to the assembly and provide a clarification.
The video posted by the Delhi Assembly's social media handles then displays the controversial caption related to the remark in question. Throughout these proceedings, the Speaker repeatedly emphasized the sensitivity and seriousness of the issue.
Political Reactions and Police Action
Ministers Mishra and Sirsa posted the video of Atishi with a caption. This same content was subsequently shared from several BJP social media accounts. On the evening of January 7, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and Congress MLAs Pargat Singh and Sukhpal Singh Khaira also posted the video with a caption.
Later that night, the cybercell police station of the Jalandhar Commissionerate registered an FIR. This action was based on a complaint filed by Jalandhar-based AAP worker Iqbal Singh, who is better known as IS Bagga.
On January 9, Jalandhar police officially announced the registration of the FIR. They revealed that the Forensic Science Laboratory in Mohali had examined the video clip. The clip was downloaded from the X account of Delhi minister Kapil Mishra. The forensic examination found the video to be "doctored."
Delhi Assembly Sees Breach of Privilege
The issue resonated in the Delhi Assembly on the same evening. Viewing it as a potential breach of privilege, Speaker Vijender Gupta took decisive action on January 10. He sent formal notices to the Punjab DGP, the Special DGP (Cybercrime), and the Jalandhar Police Commissioner.
The notices demanded written explanations from these officers. They were also instructed to submit relevant documents, including copies of the complaint, the FIR, and the forensic laboratory report. The deadline for this submission was set for January 12, with the instruction "without fail."
The three police officers responded on Monday. They sent separate but identical letters to the Delhi Assembly Secretary. In these letters, they requested an extension of ten more days to prepare their responses. However, the Speaker granted only a three-day extension. He directed them to submit their explanations by January 15.
Atishi Accuses BJP of Spreading Falsehoods
Atishi has publicly accused the BJP of falsely using a Guru's name to fuel controversy. On the night of January 7, she posted a detailed statement on her X handle.
"BJP wrongly used Guru Teg Bahadur ji's name and insulted Guru Sahib," she wrote. "They tweeted a video in which two lies were told about Guru Sahib."
She outlined the alleged falsehoods:
- "Lie No. 1: This video is from after the discussion on Guru Teg Bahadur ji's martyrdom's 350 years had concluded -- when discussion on the LG's address had started."
- "Lie No 2: In the video, I spoke about BJP avoiding discussion on pollution and their protest in the assembly on the issue of stray dogs: ‘So why don't you hold the discussion? Why are you running away since morning? They are saying, respect dogs! Respect dogs! Speaker Sir, please hold a discussion on this.' But BJP put false subtitles and inserted Guru Teg Bahadur ji's name in it."
Atishi concluded her post with a strong rebuke and a personal vow. "What hatred does BJP have for Sikhs that they are dragging Guru Teg Bahadur ji's name falsely?" she asked. "...I can give up my life but cannot insult Guru Sahib."
