Speaker Vijender Gupta Criticises AAP for Disrupting Budget Session
Speaker criticises AAP boycott, calls it negative, undisciplined approach.
Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta on Monday criticised the Opposition AAP legislators for their conduct during the recently concluded Budget Session, describing their approach as “completely negative” and expressing concern over their decision to boycott the House without raising any substantive issues.
Addressing reporters in a post-session briefing, Gupta said it was “indeed unfortunate” that the Opposition chose to abstain from House proceedings in the name of protest, despite the absence of any specific grievances. He added that such conduct, which he termed unprecedented in legislative practice, undermines the dignity and functioning of the House.
The Speaker further remarked that attempts to prevent the House from functioning and to create misleading narratives demonstrate a “pattern of indiscipline” that cannot be accepted. He emphasised that the session, held from March 23 to March 27, concluded with a total working time of 15 hours and 16 minutes, reflecting focused and structured legislative engagement.
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Gupta expressed serious concerns about the implications of the Opposition’s conduct for parliamentary functioning. He noted that the House operates strictly according to its Rules of Procedure, and refusal to participate despite repeated opportunities for discussion undermines legislative responsibility and public accountability.
The Speaker clarified that Opposition members were informed in advance that they could raise any grievances during the session, with time allotted for discussion. However, despite this assurance, they chose not to attend. He also explained the procedural aspects regarding the suspension of members, noting that the suspension pertains only to the session and ceases automatically once the House is prorogued and notification issued with Lieutenant Governor approval.
Gupta added that under Rule 77, suspended members are barred from entering the precincts of the House, attending sittings, or participating in committee meetings, although the Speaker may permit entry for specific purposes upon request. He reiterated that such rules are essential to maintain decorum, accountability, and the smooth functioning of legislative business.
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