The Delhi Legislative Assembly witnessed chaotic scenes and was adjourned twice on Tuesday as a heated argument erupted between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The core of the dispute revolved around conflicting claims about the number of teachers recruited by the Delhi government and a controversial remark made by an AAP minister.
Chaos Over Teacher Recruitment Numbers
The confrontation began when AAP MLA and Cabinet Minister Atishi stood up to present what she claimed were the official figures of teachers hired by the Arvind Kejriwal-led government. She asserted that the Delhi government had recruited over 12,000 teachers since coming to power. This statement was immediately challenged by BJP legislators, who interjected and demanded proof, leading to a loud uproar in the house.
As the noise levels rose, Speaker Ram Niwas Goel attempted to restore order. He urged the BJP members to allow Atishi to complete her statement, emphasizing that they would later be given a chance to respond. However, the protests from the opposition benches continued unabated, making it impossible for the proceedings to continue smoothly.
The Controversial 'Counting Dogs' Remark
Amidst the pandemonium, the situation escalated further following a remark by AAP MLA Akhilesh Pati Tripathi. Tripathi, while defending his party's position, allegedly stated that "even dogs can be counted" in an apparent retort to the BJP's demand for verification of the teacher numbers. This comment incensed the BJP MLAs further, who took strong objection to the language used.
BJP MLA Vijender Gupta and other opposition members condemned the remark as unparliamentary and disrespectful. They demanded an immediate apology from Tripathi, adding another layer of conflict to the already volatile situation. The Speaker's appeals for calm were drowned out in the ensuing commotion.
Double Adjournment Halts Proceedings
Faced with a complete breakdown of order, Speaker Ram Niwas Goel was forced to first adjourn the house until 2 pm. When the house reconvened in the afternoon, the tensions had not subsided. The BJP members remained steadfast in their demand for an apology for the 'dog' remark, while the AAP legislators stood by their claims on teacher recruitment.
With no resolution in sight and continuous shouting from both sides, the Speaker found it impossible to conduct any business. Consequently, he adjourned the house for the second time, this time for the day. This series of events highlighted the deepening political rift in the Delhi Assembly, where governance issues are frequently overshadowed by partisan clashes.
The incident underscores the ongoing political tussle in Delhi, where education has been a flagship policy area for the AAP government. The party often highlights its work in revamping government schools, while the BJP opposition consistently questions the veracity of these claims and the government's overall performance. Tuesday's adjournment signifies that this debate is likely to intensify in the coming sessions, potentially stalling legislative work.
