New Delhi, February 2025: Rohini MLA Vijender Gupta was elected as the Speaker of the Delhi Assembly on Monday, following his nomination on February 20, 2025.
Mr. Gupta, a third-term legislator, was nominated on Thursday for the Speaker’s post. Alongside other BJP MLAs, he had previously approached the court, alleging that the AAP government was preventing the tabling of 14 Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports on its performance. Confirming his nomination, he pledged to table the pending CAG reports before the House.
Congratulatory Remarks from CM Rekha Gupta
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, while addressing the first Assembly session of the eighth Vidhan Sabha, congratulated Mr. Gupta.
“I have full faith this Assembly will run smoothly under your guidance,” she said.
She also acknowledged his tenure as Leader of the Opposition (LoP), highlighting the challenges he faced, including being marshalled out multiple times.
Opposition’s Allegations and Speaker’s Response
Following his election, Leader of the Opposition and AAP MLA Atishi accused the BJP government of removing photos of B.R. Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh from the Chief Minister’s Office post-election, calling it an “anti-Dalit and anti-Sikh” move.
During the AAP government’s tenure, photos of both Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh were installed in key government offices.
Reacting to the allegations, Speaker Vijender Gupta opposed the Opposition’s behavior, asserting that the AAP MLAs would have ample opportunity to speak, but any unruly conduct would not be tolerated.
“If the opposition doesn’t behave appropriately, I will be forced to give a first warning. If you do not comply, we will not take it lightly. I request you to maintain the decorum of the first Assembly session on its very first day,” he stated.
Political Composition of the Eighth Delhi Assembly
The BJP holds a majority in the newly constituted eighth Delhi Assembly, with 48 MLAs, while the AAP has 22 legislators. The Assembly Speaker is elected by a vote among House members.
