Health – Delhi Assembly Session Opens Amid AAP Protest Over Alleged Rs 650-Crore Scam

Health –The monsoon session of the Delhi Assembly began on a contentious note on Friday, with proceedings disrupted after Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislators protested over an alleged Rs 650-crore scam in the health sector. The Opposition sought accountability from the government and demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, leading to heated exchanges inside the House.

Five AAP MLAs Removed From House

AAP MLAs Sanjeev Jha, Som Dutt, Vishesh Ravi, Kuldeep Kumar and Jarnail Singh were marshalled out after they raised slogans, displayed posters and continued their protest during the proceedings. Their actions followed allegations of major irregularities in the health department, which quickly turned the opening day of the session into a political confrontation.

With the protests showing no signs of easing, Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta adjourned the House until 2 pm. The disruption highlighted the widening differences between the BJP government and the AAP-led Opposition over issues of governance, financial management and alleged corruption.

BJP And AAP Trade Allegations

The ruling BJP responded to the Opposition’s charges by accusing the previous AAP government of financial irregularities in various departments. AAP members, in turn, alleged wrongdoing under the present administration and pressed the government to answer questions concerning the health sector.

The exchange reflected the broader political tension between the two parties, with both sides using the opening session to challenge the other’s record in government.

Kuldeep Kumar, Ravinder Negi Clash

Tensions escalated further when AAP MLA Kuldeep Kumar and BJP legislator Ravinder Singh Negi became involved in a heated verbal confrontation. Both lawmakers reportedly rose from their seats during the argument, prompting the Speaker to step in and restore order.

Vijender Gupta described the incident as “very unfortunate” and cautioned members that strict action could follow if similar confrontations continued on the floor of the Assembly.

Question Hour Sparks Another Dispute

Question Hour also became a point of contention during the proceedings. Responding to Jarnail Singh’s remarks about the conduct of Question Hour, Minister Kapil Mishra alleged that the previous AAP administration had not managed to hold even five such sessions during its five-year tenure.

Mishra also criticised Leader of Opposition Atishi over her absence from the Assembly, arguing that it showed a lack of seriousness towards legislative proceedings. The remarks added another layer to the political exchanges between the government and Opposition benches.

Assembly Congratulates Indian Athletes

Amid the political uproar, the Assembly also took time to acknowledge India’s sporting achievements at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Speaker Vijender Gupta said members joined in congratulating Indian athletes for their performance at both the Commonwealth Games and the Commonwealth Para Games.

BHASHINI Used During Assembly Proceedings

The session also saw the introduction of an AI-powered live transcription and translation system, BHASHINI. According to Speaker Vijender Gupta, the Delhi Assembly became the first legislative body in the country to use the technology as part of efforts to improve legislative management.

The technology was introduced on a test-pilot basis and is intended to support smoother transcription and translation during legislative proceedings. Gupta said the initiative demonstrated the Assembly’s willingness to adopt new technology in its functioning.

Bill Seeks Repeal Of Bed And Breakfast Law

Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra also introduced a Bill seeking to repeal the Delhi Bed and Breakfast Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2007. The proposed change comes after the Malviya Nagar fire tragedy in June, when a fire at a bed and breakfast facility claimed 21 lives.

The proposed repeal was introduced during the ongoing monsoon session as the government considers changes to the regulatory framework governing such establishments in Delhi.