Tensions Rise as Delhi Speaker Recognizes Atishi as Opposition Leader Amid Protests

Delhi Speaker Vijender Gupta recognized AAP's Atishi as the new Leader of the Opposition. Despite her appointment, a protest ensued when she and other AAP MLAs were denied entry into the assembly premises, sparking claims of undemocratic actions. Atishi criticized the move, citing parallels from other legislative bodies.

In a significant political development, Delhi Speaker Vijender Gupta officially acknowledged Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Atishi as the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly for the National Capital Territory on Thursday.

The announcement follows the AAP's internal decision to designate Atishi for the role earlier. According to a notification from the Legislative Assembly Secretariat, her appointment aligns with Section 2 of the 2001 Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition Act.

The decision drew immediate controversy as Atishi, alongside other AAP figures, staged a protest against their barring from assembly premises—a move she described as 'undemocratic and unconstitutional.' Atishi pointed to established practices like protests during suspensions in Parliament to support her argument for entry rights.