The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alleged on Monday that the ruling BJP government in Delhi removed the portraits of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh from the Chief Minister's office, replacing them with images of Mahatma Gandhi, President Droupadi Murmu, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Responding to these accusations, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that the AAP is attempting to conceal its 'corruption and misconduct' with such claims.
Earlier today, AAP leader Atishi shared two images from her X handle; one depicted the period during her term as CM, featuring pictures of Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh above the CM chair. In contrast, the other showed Rekha Gupta's office under the BJP government, now adorned with images of Gandhi, President Murmu, and PM Modi.
From the podium of a press conference, Atishi targeted the BJP for its alleged anti-Dalit mindset, expressing, 'Today's proof of their anti-Dalit mentality is clear.' Arvind Kejriwal, leader of AAP, had strategically placed Ayed photos of Ambedkar and the martyr Bhagat Singh in every Delhi government office. 'Since the BJP assumed power, they removed them from the Chief Minister's office, revealing their anti-Dalit and anti-Sikh stance.'
Mirroring Atishi's statements, Kejriwal emphasized the emotional impact of removing Ambedkar's image on millions of Dalit followers. Kejriwal's X post reads, 'The new BJP government in Delhi replaced Ambedkar's photo with PM Modi's in a widespread slight to Baba Saheb's followers. I urge the BJP: feel free to hang the Prime Minister's photo, but don't eliminate Ambedkar's. Let it remain.'
Countering allegations, CM Rekha Gupta dismissed Atishi and Kejriwal's accusations as a diversion from their corruption. 'Shouldn't government leaders’ images be displayed? Shouldn't our country's President and the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi's, be featured?' Gupta stated that while Bhagat Singh and Ambedkar are revered figures and guides, the choice for government leaders should prevail in the CM office. 'Answering to Atishi and Kejriwal isn't my job; I am accountable to the people.'
The Delhi BJP posted an image from X showcasing CM Gupta's office as adorned with the portraits of Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Ambedkar, the President, and the PM. During a meeting with her ministers, Gupta displayed how the images of Ambedkar and Singh are still present but repositioned.
In a retort, BJP MLA Arvinder Singh Lovely accused AAP of stirring unrest as a defense against the upcoming CAG report in the session. 'They fear the CAG report and seek to cause chaos. There are no other issues, yet discussion avoidance is impossible,' Lovely declared, questioning, 'Today, those talking about Singh and Ambedkar should recall whose image they displaced. Bhagat Singh and Ambedkar are as revered as Gandhi.'
