Delhi Assembly Speaker suspends 21 AAP MLAs, including Atishi, for a duration of two days

Delhi Assembly Speaker Suspends 21 AAP MLAs, Including Atishi, in Stormy Session

Chaos erupted in the Delhi Legislative Assembly today as Speaker Ram Niwas Goel suspended 21 Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs, including prominent leader Atishi, for two days following unruly protests during a discussion on rising pollution levels in the capital.  

The unprecedented mass suspension came after opposition MLAs allegedly disrupted proceedings, shouted slogans, and surrounded the Speaker's podium, demanding immediate action against industrial units violating pollution norms. Tempers flared as ruling party members accused the suspended legislators of "deliberately derailing democratic processes."  

"This is not how a legislative assembly functions. We cannot allow constant interruptions when critical public health issues are being discussed," Speaker Goel stated while announcing the suspension. "These members will not be allowed to attend proceedings for the next two days."  

Among the suspended MLAs was Atishi, AAP's high-profile education minister, known for her fiery speeches. Opposition leaders condemned the move, calling it "undemocratic suppression of dissent."  

"The Speaker has set a dangerous precedent by silencing elected representatives who were raising genuine concerns about Delhi's toxic air," said suspended MLA Saurabh Bharadwaj. "Instead of addressing the pollution emergency, they're busy punishing those who speak up."  

The dramatic session saw marshals escorting some MLAs out of the chamber as others continued protesting. Outside the assembly, suspended legislators held an impromptu press conference, vowing to take their protest to the streets.  

Political analysts note this marks the largest single-day suspension in Delhi Assembly history, reflecting growing tensions between the AAP government and opposition as winter pollution season begins. Environmental activists expressed dismay that the pollution debate was overshadowed by political theatrics.  

As Delhi's air quality index hovered in the "very poor" category, residents expressed frustration at the political showdown. "While politicians fight, we're the ones breathing this poisonous air," said Rakesh Kumar, a shopkeeper in Anand Vihar.  

The Speaker's office clarified that essential government work would continue despite the suspensions, with the next session scheduled for Friday when the MLAs can return. However, the incident has left the capital questioning whether its elected representatives can rise above partisan politics to address pressing public health crises.