GasCrisis – Suspended AAP MLAs Intensify Protest Over Cylinder Shortage
GasCrisis – Suspended legislators from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) extended their protest outside the Delhi Legislative Assembly for a third consecutive day on Wednesday, coinciding with the ongoing Budget session. The demonstration, led by senior party leaders, focused sharply on the growing shortage of cooking gas cylinders, which they claim is severely affecting daily life in the capital.
Protest Targets Rising Cooking Gas Shortage
A day after criticizing the government over the Palam fire incident, AAP leaders shifted their attention to what they described as a worsening gas supply crisis. Carrying pamphlets highlighting public grievances, the suspended MLAs organized a padyatra and raised slogans against the central government, accusing it of failing to ensure essential supplies.
Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Atishi led the protest and spoke about the difficulties faced by residents. She pointed out that many households across Delhi are struggling to obtain cooking gas, with long queues becoming a common sight at distribution centers.
Questions Raised Over Earlier Promises
Atishi also referred to previous commitments made by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Assembly. She stated that assurances of free gas cylinders during festivals like Holi and Diwali now stand in contrast to the current situation, where cylinders are reportedly hard to find.
According to her, the scarcity has forced many families to explore alternatives such as induction stoves or traditional cooking methods using wood. She remarked that in some cases, even large gatherings like weddings are being impacted due to limited gas availability.
Broader Criticism of Governance
Expanding her criticism beyond the gas issue, Atishi highlighted several civic concerns affecting residents. She alleged that frequent power cuts, poor water quality, damaged roads, and inadequate healthcare services are contributing to public distress. She also raised concerns about law and order, suggesting that residents feel increasingly insecure.
Referring again to the Palam fire incident, she questioned the preparedness of the administration. She claimed that despite a substantial budget allocation, basic emergency resources were lacking, which she said reflects gaps in governance.
Allegations of Suppression Within Assembly
The AAP leader further alleged that their suspension from the Assembly was a deliberate attempt to prevent opposition voices from being heard. She argued that the ruling party is reluctant to face criticism inside the House and is therefore restricting the participation of opposition MLAs.
Despite the suspension, she asserted that party members would continue to engage with the public and raise issues outside the Assembly premises. She emphasized that their protest is aimed at highlighting everyday challenges faced by Delhi residents.
AAP Signals Continued Resistance
Reaffirming the party’s stance, Atishi said that AAP representatives would persist in their efforts both within institutional frameworks and through public outreach. She stated that political pressure or legal actions would not deter them from speaking on issues affecting citizens.
Meanwhile, in a separate development during the session, Cabinet Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa introduced a condemnation motion related to the reported suicide of a senior official from the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation. The matter added another layer of political discussion during the proceedings.
As the Budget session progresses, the confrontation between the ruling party and opposition is expected to continue, with key civic issues taking center stage in both legislative debates and public demonstrations.