Political drama intensifies as AAP, BJP clash over bus marshals’ reinstatement

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs were detained for the second time this week on Saturday after a political confrontation between the ruling party and the BJP over the reinstatement of bus marshals in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses.

CM lashes out at BJP

Firstly, the BJP MLAs were not ready to come to meet the L-G, but we managed to get them with us somehow. But even after coming here, they did not ask the L-G to sign the Cabinet note even a single time. — Atishi, Chief Minister

On Friday, Chief Minister Atishi announced on X that she had received a letter from the Leader of the Opposition, Vijender Gupta, requesting a meeting on Saturday with BJP MLAs to discuss the issue. Atishi agreed to meet them at 10.30 am.

However, the meeting at the Delhi Secretariat quickly escalated into chaos. A video of the confrontation between AAP and BJP leaders circulated on social media. During the meeting, bus marshals urged BJP MLAs to meet the Lieutenant-Governor (LG).

Amid the tension, Atishi convened a Cabinet meeting and prepared a note regarding the appointment of bus marshals, which was sent to the L-G’s office on Saturday.

In a statement, the AAP said, “This Cabinet note demands the immediate reinstatement of over 10,000 bus marshals. Today, BJP MLAs refused to meet their own L-G over this issue.”

The situation became more dramatic as AAP MLAs tried to convince Gupta to meet the L-G. In a theatrical moment, AAP MLA Saurabh Bharadwaj held Gupta’s feet, urging him to join Atishi and other AAP MLAs in meeting the L-G.

Gupta, however, accused the AAP government of “non-cooperative and negative attitude” and described the meeting as “disappointing”.

AAP national convener and former CM Arvind Kejriwal expressed support for his ministers, stating, “I am proud of my ministers who can go to any extent, even laying at people’s feet, to get work done for the public.”

Atishi also joined Gupta in his car, trying to compel him to attend the meeting with L-G. The AAP claimed, “Atishi left her car and staff behind, sitting in Gupta’s car alongside BJP MLAs. However, Gupta repeatedly refused to cooperate and even attempted to avoid the meeting.”

Eventually, AAP and BJP MLAs went to the L-G’s office. However, Bharadwaj claimed only the CM and BJP MLAs were allowed inside, while the doors were shut for AAP members. Bharadwaj added that Gupta had attempted to turn back on the way but was stopped.

Later, AAP MLAs, along with bus marshals, staged a protest outside the L-G office, leading to their detention.

Gupta lodged a complaint with the Delhi Police, alleging that ministers Bharadwaj, Kuldeep Kumar, Jarnail Singh and Rohit Mahroliya, along with “anti-social elements”, used abusive language and attacked him outside Raj Niwas. An FIR was filed regarding the incident.

Meanwhile, Saxena met a delegation of bus marshals and assured them that necessary steps would be taken, according to Raj Niwas officials.

Criticising the AAP, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said, “Kejriwal himself removed all these bus marshals, and his letter is in the public domain. Now, with elections approaching, AAP leaders are suddenly remembering the marshals. While the AAP indulged in political drama, the L-G met the marshals, assuring them that action will be taken.”

Sachdeva added that BJP MLAs had submitted a memorandum to the CM demanding the reinstatement and regularisation of 10,000 bus marshals.