The newly elected Delhi Assembly convened its first session on Monday, marking the swearing-in of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and her six cabinet ministers as MLAs.
BJP MLA Arvinder Singh Lovely took oath as the pro-tem Speaker, a responsibility bestowed upon him by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena at Raj Niwas before the session commenced. Among the newly elected legislators, Kapil Mishra (BJP) took his oath in Sanskrit, Sanjeev Jha (AAP) in Maithili, and Manjinder Singh Sirsa (BJP) in Punjabi.
The session began with the legislators singing Vande Mataram. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva was present in the Speaker’s gallery to witness the proceedings. The election for the Speaker is scheduled for later in the day, with BJP MLA Vijender Gupta being the frontrunner for the position.
CAG Reports to Be Presented Tomorrow
As per the Delhi Assembly bulletin, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena will address the House on February 25, after which the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports will be tabled. The assembly will then begin discussions on a motion of thanks for the LG’s address.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized the importance of the CAG report, stating that it will hold the previous government accountable for alleged financial mismanagement.
Atishi Appointed Leader of Opposition
In a major political development, AAP MLAs unanimously selected Atishi as the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Delhi Assembly, making her the first woman to hold the post. AAP convenor Gopal Rai announced the decision, emphasizing that the party will play the role of a strong opposition and hold the BJP accountable for its promises.
Atishi specifically highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to providing ₹2,500 to women in Delhi by March 8, vowing to ensure the BJP government fulfills this pledge.
The BJP secured a decisive victory in the Delhi Assembly elections on February 5, winning 48 out of 70 seats and ending AAP’s rule. Prominent AAP leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, lost their seats in the election.
