AAP MLAs protest in Delhi Assembly in gas masks; Opposition avoiding pollution discussion, says CM

CM Rekha Gupta criticises AAP leaders for protest in Assembly, says party is avoiding discussion on Delhi pollution crisis. (Photo/PTI Achieve)

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday hit out at AAP leaders for staging a protest inside the Assembly on Delhi’s ongoing pollution crisis, alleging that the party was “running away from discussions” on the issue.

Four AAP MLAs — Sanjeev Jha , Som Dutt, Kuldeep Kumar and Jarnail Singh — were suspended for the remaining three days of the Delhi Assembly’s ongoing Winter Session for disrupting L-G Vinai Kumar Saxena’s speech in the Assembly on Monday.

The CM’s remarks came after AAP MLAs staged a walkout and protested outside the Assembly, wearing gas masks. “We were ready to have a discussion on pollution, but AAP leaders are running away from discussions on what they did and steps taken in the last ten years, on pollution,” said Gupta.

“Starting today (Monday), the Winter Session of the Delhi Legislative Assembly is commencing. It is the responsibility of both the ruling party and the Opposition to ensure constructive and positive discussions take place in the House on extremely important issues related to Delhi,” she said.

All legislators should firmly place the problems of their respective areas on the floor of the House and work together to provide better solutions for Delhi, she said.

Stating that the session is extremely important for both the present and future of the Capital, the CM said: “It is our collective responsibility to meaningfully utilise every moment of the session in the interest of Delhi.”

After a resolution was moved by PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh for the suspension of the four AAP MLAs, the House passed the motion.

As AAP leaders, who were suspended from attending the rest of the session, were marshalled out, Leader of Opposition Atishi walked out too.

Speaker Vijender Gupta said that the AAP MLAs showed contempt towards the House and the L-G by “causing disturbance without any valid reason”.

In his response, AAP leader Sanjeev Jha said, “Questioning pollution has become a crime under the BJP government’s rule. Pollution is the biggest issue for Delhi’s residents. How can asking L-G questions on it in the House be a crime?”

The House on Monday also passed a resolution tabled by the PWD Minister to prepone the Assembly sittings. The proceedings will now begin at 11 am instead of 2 pm.

The Winter Session, which started on Monday, will continue till Thursday.