‘Insult’ to Sikh guru: Forensic test ordered for Atishi video amid assembly chaos

New Delhi: Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta on Thursday ordered a forensic investigation into a video clip purportedly showing Leader of Opposition Atishi making insulting remarks about Sikh spiritual leader Guru Tegh Bahadur. The probe comes amid intense disruptions in the Winter Session, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanding her expulsion and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alleging the footage was doctored.

The dispute centres on comments Atishi allegedly made in the House on Tuesday, following a special discussion on the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. BJP members circulated a video clip claiming the AAP leader spoke disrespectfully about the Guru.

Atishi vehemently rejected the allegations, asserting her comments were directed at the BJP for avoiding a debate on Delhi's worsening air pollution. "But the BJP deliberately added a false subtitle and inserted the name of Guru Tegh Bahadurji into it," she told news agency PTI, accusing the ruling party of fabricating the context to divert attention.

The fourth day of the Winter Session saw repeated adjournments as BJP MLAs, carrying posters, stormed the well of the House demanding strict action against Atishi, including the cancellation of her membership.

Amid the slogan-shouting and chaos, Speaker Gupta adjourned proceedings for 30 minutes. Upon resumption, he announced that the video would be sent for forensic examination, citing demands from both AAP and BJP members for clarity.

Gupta directed the report to be submitted within 15 days. However, despite the order, BJP legislators continued their protest in the well, forcing another adjournment until 1 pm.