Delhi Assembly Leader of Opposition (LoP) Atishi has strongly condemned the rejection of AAP MLAs’ special mentions on rising crime in their constituencies. In a letter to Speaker Vijender Gupta, she called the move “shocking” and an attempt to shield the BJP-led Central Government’s failure to control crime in the national capital.
In the letter, Delhi Assembly LoP Atishi stated that during today’s (27.03.2025) Assembly session, a special mention time was scheduled under Rule 280. Several AAP MLAs submitted issues related to the increasing crime rate in their areas for discussion. However, late last evening, she received a call from the Assembly Secretariat informing her that the special mentions of five MLAs had been rejected on the grounds that “law and order” does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Delhi Assembly.
“This is an unprecedented and disturbing decision,” the Delhi Assembly LoP wrote. “Since the formation of the Delhi Assembly, MLAs have always raised the concerns of their constituencies on the Assembly floor. For the first time in history, we are being told that if a rape occurs in Delhi, the Assembly cannot discuss it. If bullets are fired in Delhi’s streets, MLAs cannot speak on it. If women face violence, the Assembly must remain silent. Is this the new definition of democracy?”
She further emphasized that the 70 members of the Delhi Assembly represent millions of people across the city. “If they cannot raise the issue of rising crime in their constituencies, then who will?” she questioned.
Atishi pointed out that this was a deliberate move to prevent any discussion on the BJP-led Central Government’s inability to control crime in Delhi. “Before elections, the BJP claimed that a ‘double-engine’ government would solve Delhi’s problems. But after winning, they now say—we won’t even let you speak about them! If discussion is silenced, does that mean the problem disappears?”
Concluding her letter, Atishi urged Speaker Vijender Gupta to allow discussions on all issues concerning Delhi in the Assembly. “Silencing voices on such matters is an insult to democracy,” she asserted.
Delhi Assembly LoP Atishi took to ‘X’ and shared the letter with caption: “When Aam Aadmi Party MLAs tried to raise issues related to the deteriorating law and order situation in Delhi, the Speaker Vijender Gupta ji banned discussion on them. If there are rapes, firing, gang wars in Delhi – will it not even be discussed in the Legislative Assembly? Does the BJP want to hide the failure of the double engine government..?”
