Delhi Government Targets Atishi with 'Where is Atishi?' Poster Over Assembly Remarks
The Delhi government took a bold step on Tuesday by putting up a poster that directly targets opposition leader Atishi Marlena. The poster asks a simple but pointed question: "Where is Atishi Marlena?" This move aims to pressure her into responding to allegations about remarks she allegedly made during Delhi Assembly proceedings earlier this month.
Minister Kapil Mishra Addresses the Controversy
Delhi tourism minister Kapil Mishra held a press conference to explain the government's position. He stated that the controversy stems from the January 6 sitting of the Delhi Assembly. On that day, members were discussing the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji, and Bhai Dayala Ji.
Mishra alleged that someone used objectionable language during this discussion. He claimed this language hurt religious sentiments and damaged the dignity of the House. According to the minister, these remarks have caused significant concern among the public and within the Assembly.
Allegations of Absence and Suppression
Kapil Mishra made several serious allegations during his press conference. He said that Atishi Marlena has been absent from the Assembly, the media, and public view since the incident occurred. Mishra emphasized that the Speaker of the Assembly has repeatedly requested her to appear before the House and clarify her position, but she has not done so.
The minister provided a specific timeline for the events. He stated that on January 7 at around 11:30 am, the Speaker read out the verbatim transcript of the video related to the alleged remarks in the House. Mishra noted that no member raised any objection at that time, which he finds significant.
Mishra further alleged that attempts have been made to suppress this issue. He claimed that resources of the Punjab government and the Punjab Police have been misused in this effort. The minister stated that false FIRs were registered outside Delhi, and efforts were made to intimidate individuals connected to the matter.
Demands for Apology and Action
Kapil Mishra was clear about what the Delhi government wants. "Today, we are releasing a poster of Atishi Marlena and want her to come forward and apologise for her statement," he declared. The poster serves as a public call for accountability from the opposition leader.
The minister also addressed other parties involved in the situation. He urged Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann not to get involved in the matter. Mishra specifically said that the Punjab Police should be kept away from the issue, suggesting that their involvement is inappropriate.
Mishra called upon Atishi Marlena to take several specific actions. He wants her to address the media and the public directly. He also demands that she appear before the Assembly's Privileges Committee and face the legal process that may follow from these allegations.
Response and Current Status
There has been no immediate response from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to these allegations. The party has not commented on the poster or the specific claims made by Kapil Mishra. This silence adds another layer of intrigue to the developing political situation in Delhi.
The Delhi government's decision to use a public poster to target an opposition leader represents an unusual escalation in political tactics. It shows how seriously they are taking these allegations about remarks made during the Assembly discussion on Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom anniversary.
This controversy touches on several sensitive issues including religious sentiments, parliamentary decorum, and inter-state political dynamics. The involvement of Punjab government resources, as alleged by Mishra, adds a complex dimension to what might otherwise be a local Delhi matter.
The public now waits to see how Atishi Marlena and the AAP will respond to these very public allegations and demands. The poster hanging in Delhi serves as a constant reminder of the government's position and their expectation for accountability from the opposition leader.
