Excitement is building in Delhi as the assembly elections are around the corner. Amidst a politically charged atmosphere, the Delhi Assembly's final session before the elections witnesses vigorous debates. In a surprising move, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi extended an unexpected offer to BJP's senior leader and Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, Vijender Gupta. The assembly was abuzz with discussions on the regularization of bus marshals, an issue that has fueled political exchanges between the BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party for several months.
Atishi, while responding to the ongoing debate regarding the regularization of protesting bus marshals, presented Gupta with a compelling offer: secure LG's approval for the proposal, and Atishi promised not to contest against him in the forthcoming elections with her party's candidate. Gupta, who has been a legislator from Rohini in Delhi for two consecutive terms, found himself amidst this intriguing political statement. Atishi added that not only would they refrain from fielding a candidate, but she would campaign in support of Gupta in Rohini.
What Are the Demands of the Bus Marshals?
Over 10,000 bus marshals in Delhi have been campaigning for over a year, advocating for regular employment instead of temporary work that they believe is used as political leverage during elections. Despite repeated appeals to Delhi's Chief Minister, the Lieutenant Governor, and influential officials and leaders, no significant progress has been made.
Persistent Campaign by Bus Marshals
In a move by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority, it was proposed in a meeting that these marshals be granted four months of temporary employment until February, considering the ongoing pollution issues in Delhi. However, bus marshals contend that this plan will be sidelined post-February elections, prompting them to continue their street protests.
AAP Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj Restrained Vijender Gupta by Holding His Feet
It should be noted that in October, Atishi's government passed a cabinet note on the appointment of marshals. Following this, Atishi, alongside Aam Aadmi Party and BJP legislators, reached the Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena's office seeking approval for bus marshals' reinstatement. The Aam Aadmi Party accused BJP legislators of attempting to flee the Secretariat, which was thwarted by Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj holding Gupta's feet. Despite BJP members trying to escape, Bhardwaj and AAP leaders prevented them. The AAP asserted that CM Atishi personally joined the BJP legislator's vehicle to the LG House to ensure no opportunity for the BJP to withdraw was spared.
