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Voice of Opposition was suppressed… won’t allow that to happen again: Delhi Assembly Speaker-designate Vijender Gupta

Delhi Assembly Speaker-designate Vijender Gupta says he will ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of the House ‘unlike before’.

BJP leader Vijender Gupta arrives for its legislature party meeting, at the party office in New Delhi, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. The meeting was called to elect BJP's Delhi legislature party leader, who will be the next chief minister of the national capital. (PTI Photo)

Vijender Gupta designated as Delhi Assembly Speaker Interview: After serving as Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Legislative Assembly for two terms, Rohini BJP MLA Vijender Gupta has been picked to lead its proceedings as the Speaker. Gupta weighs in on his new role and says tabling the 12 CAG reports will be his top priority.

IE: Apart from being one of its seniormost members, you have led the BJP Opposition in the Delhi Assembly for two terms. How does it feel after being picked to sit at its helm as the Speaker?

Vijender Gupta: I am thankful to the national leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party for considering me for this significant responsibility. It is an honour, and I will discharge my duty with complete commitment. What I can assure you of is that the voice of the Opposition will neither be suppressed nor stifled in the Delhi Assembly like it was all these years (under the AAP government).

IE: What will be your first priority as the Speaker?

Vijender Gupta: Tabling the 12 CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) reports will be my first priority as the Speaker as they fall under the domain of that office. The people of Delhi will finally be able to see the hidden truth of the AAP’s rule in the city. Apart from that, I will ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of the House unlike before.

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IE: In your opinion, what issues did the Delhi Assembly face in terms of its functioning before? How do you plan to ensure the opposite?

Vijender Gupta: The House is a temple of democracy, not a forum to suppress the voice of the Opposition especially when it comes to issues concerning the welfare of the people. This was not allowed earlier (during the AAP’s tenure), but that will not be so now. All matters related to public good will be discussed in the House. The sessions of the Assembly will be convened as per rules and regulations; the Zero Hour will be held regularly.

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IE: You are among the seniormost leaders of the BJP in the capital. Did you not expect a cabinet berth?

Vijender Gupta: I am a staunch BJP karyakarta and will carry out the responsibility that the party’s leadership has given me as I am duty-bound to do. The party’s decision is final and I am grateful for the opportunity of ensuring that the Delhi Legislative Assembly returns to its stature as the temple of democracy which it is.

Jatin Anand

Jatin Anand is an Assistant Editor with the national political bureau of The Indian Express. Over the last 16 years, he has covered governance, politics, bureaucracy, crime, traffic, intelligence, the Election Commission of India and Urban Development among other beats. He is an English (Literature) graduate from Zakir Husain Delhi College, DU & specialised in Print at the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai. He tweets @jatinpaul ... Read More

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