Delhi's political scene has recently become a hotbed of controversy after the new state government, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, faced sharp criticism over the alleged removal of key iconic portraits. The opposition party, AAP, spearheaded by former Chief Minister Atishi, claims the BJP-led administration deliberately excluded images of Dr. BR Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh from the CM office. This has stirred significant debate on social media and news outlets alike.
At the center of the dispute are contrasting photographs released by AAP. These images portray the previous office setup under AAP's administration, prominently featuring portraits of Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh. However, recent pictures shared by AAP show replacement by images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and Mahatma Gandhi.
AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal openly criticized the BJP, suggesting that the removal of such portraits reflects an anti-Dalit and anti-Sikh stance. The narrative delves into broader themes of respect and reverence for national heroes, which AAP argues, are essential in reflecting the country's diverse heritage.
BJP was quick to respond, producing images of their own to counter the accusations. They showed Dr. Ambedkar's portrait displayed on an adjacent wall, insisting that all national icons, including Ambedkar, continued to be honored within the office premises. CM Rekha Gupta labeled AAP's claims as a mere diversionary tactic, a strategy to shift focus away from the impending CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) reports scrutinizing AAP's past governance. These audit reports are anticipated to highlight lapses and inefficiencies in AAP's previous term.
Arvinder Singh Lovely, a BJP MLA, echoed Gupta's sentiments, suggesting AAP's fixation on this issue is likely an attempt to sidestep the forthcoming audit revelations. He argued that by stoking this controversy, AAP aims to distract the public from more substantial governance challenges addressed in these reports.
The political friction between BJP and AAP comes at a time when the BJP seeks to roll out its governance priorities. High on their agenda are improvements in health infrastructure and pollution control—key areas that demand urgent attention. On the other hand, AAP continues its confrontational approach, seizing opportunities to point out perceived missteps by the BJP-led government.
This unfolding situation in Delhi highlights the ongoing tug-of-war in the capital's political landscape. The photo controversy, though seemingly minor, is reflective of deeper ideological conflicts between the two parties over governance, heritage, and the direction Delhi should take under its new leadership.
