Arvind Kejriwal to Face Delhi Assembly Panel Over 'Phansi Ghar' Dispute
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is expected to appear on Friday before the Committee of Privileges of the Delhi Assembly, which has summoned him in connection with the controversial 'Phansi Ghar' issue. In a letter to the panel's chairperson on Tuesday, Kejriwal acknowledged receipt of the summons dated February 18 and confirmed his attendance at 3 PM on March 6.
Kejriwal's Request for Transparency
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener has formally requested the committee to live-stream the proceedings, citing the need for transparency and public accountability. On social media platform X, Kejriwal expressed his willingness to cooperate but also highlighted other pressing issues in Delhi, stating, "Delhi is grappling with pollution. The roads are broken. There are piles of garbage everywhere. Hospitals are out of medicines. Delhi Assembly summoned me to question me about the 'Phansi Ghar.'" He shared a copy of his letter, reiterating his commitment to appear before the committee.
Assembly Official's Response
An assembly official confirmed that Kejriwal had informed the committee about his planned appearance. However, regarding the live-streaming request, the official noted that the proceedings and reports of the committee are confidential, and any report can only be submitted in the House, indicating potential limitations on public access.
Background of the 'Phansi Ghar' Controversy
The controversy stems from 2022 when Kejriwal, along with other AAP functionaries, unveiled the restored 'Phansi Ghar' in the British-era assembly building. This two-storey, enclosed, red-brick-walled room featured a symbolic hanging rope and murals of freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, with a board claiming that "innumerable unknown freedom fighters were hanged here."
Historical Dispute and Political Fallout
After the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formed the government in 2025, Speaker Vijender Gupta asserted that no historical evidence supported the existence of a 'Phansi Ghar' at the site. According to National Archives records, the space was actually a tiffin room. This revelation led to the matter being referred to the assembly committee, which initially summoned Kejriwal and others last year.
In 2025, Kejriwal skipped two summonses, and an assembly official mentioned that "a separate proceeding for the contempt of the House is also going on against him." Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor criticized Kejriwal, saying, "Kejriwal has been summoned for inaugurating a 'Phansi Ghar' in Delhi Assembly, which has been conclusively found to be a tiffin room. But Kejriwal in his tweet has tried to divert it towards pollution and a whole lot of political issues."
Ongoing Proceedings and Implications
The committee's investigation continues, with Kejriwal's upcoming appearance marking a significant development in this long-standing dispute. The outcome could have implications for political accountability and historical preservation debates in Delhi.
