New Delhi | Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

The political confrontation between the BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) intensified on Saturday after Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta issued notices to senior officials of the Punjab Police over the controversial video clip allegedly involving AAP leader Atishi.


The Speaker has sent notices to the Punjab Police DGP, the Special DGP (Cyber Crime) and the Commissioner of Police, Jalandhar, seeking their replies within 48 hours. The notices pertain to the alleged use of Delhi Assembly’s official video footage for forensic examination and the subsequent registration of an FIR, which the Speaker has termed a prima facie breach of Assembly privilege.


“Assembly footage is not private property”
Addressing a press conference, Speaker Vijender Gupta asserted that the video in question was part of the official proceedings of the Delhi Assembly and not a personal or private recording.
“The official recording of the House is the exclusive property of the Delhi Assembly. Its misuse and the registration of an FIR on the basis of such material is not only unfortunate but extremely serious and condemnable,” Gupta said. He added that such actions amounted to an attack on the dignity and authority of the legislature.


The Speaker also questioned the role of the Jalandhar Police Commissioner, stating that the episode appeared, at first glance, to be a clear case of privilege violation. He underlined that any tampering or unauthorised use of Assembly footage undermines constitutional institutions.
BJP–AAP clash over clip


The controversy revolves around a video clip shared by BJP minister Kapil Mishra on social media platform X, in which Atishi is alleged to have made objectionable remarks about Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur. The BJP has demanded strict action, including Atishi’s disqualification from the Assembly.


AAP, however, has disputed the authenticity of the clip, alleging that it was doctored and fabricated, with a misleading transcript attached to malign its leader. The party maintains that the video was manipulated to provoke communal sentiments and damage its political standing.


Matter referred to Privileges Committee
Speaker Gupta has ordered a forensic examination of the video to verify its authenticity and has also referred the issue to the Privileges Committee of the Delhi Assembly for detailed scrutiny.


AAP leaders have termed the Speaker’s action an attempt to “intimidate the Opposition”, arguing that public videos are open to scrutiny in a democracy. BJP leaders, on the other hand, have defended the Speaker’s move, calling it necessary to protect the sanctity of the House and religious sentiments.


Political temperature rises
The episode has further sharpened political tensions between the BJP and AAP, with protests reported in Punjab and Delhi. While the BJP insists the matter concerns legislative dignity and faith, AAP describes it as politically motivated action.


All eyes are now on the Punjab Police’s response to the Speaker’s notices and the findings of the Privileges Committee, which are expected to determine the future course of this high-profile national political controversy.