The political drama intensifies as AAP and BJP clash over reinstatement of bus marshals

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MPs were arrested on Saturday for the second time this week following a political standoff 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 willing to meet the LG but we somehow managed to take them along. But even after coming here, they never once asked the LG to sign the Cabinet note. – Atishi, Prime Minister

On Friday, Prime Minister Atishi announced that Atishi agreed to meet them at 10:30 a.m.

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

Amid the tension, Atishi called a cabinet meeting and prepared a note on appointment of bus posts which was sent to the LG’s office on Saturday.

In a statement, the AAP said: “This Cabinet note calls for immediate reinstatement of over 10,000 bus posts. Today, BJP MPs refused to meet their own LG on the issue.”

The situation became more dramatic when the AAP MLAs tried to convince Gupta to meet the LG. In a theatrical moment, AAP MLA Saurabh Bharadwaj held Gupta’s feet and urged him to join Atishi and other AAP MLAs in the meeting with the LG.

Gupta, however, accused the AAP government of having an “uncooperative and negative attitude” and termed the meeting as “disappointing”.

Expressing his support for his ministers, Arvind Kejriwal, AAP national leader and former chief minister, said, “I am proud of my ministers who can do anything to get the job done for the public, even if they are to the people feet.”

Atishi also accompanied Gupta in his car and tried to persuade him to attend the meeting with LG. The AAP claimed, “Atishi left her car and staff behind and sat in Gupta’s car next to BJP MPs. However, Gupta repeatedly refused to cooperate and even tried to avoid the meeting.”

Finally, the AAP and BJP MLAs went to the LG’s office. Bharadwaj, however, claimed only CM and BJP MLAs were allowed entry while the doors were closed for AAP members. Bharadwaj added that Gupta tried to turn back on the way but was stopped.

Later, AAP MPs along with bus marshals protested outside the LG office, leading to their detention.

Gupta filed a complaint with 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 has been lodged in the incident.

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

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva criticized the AAP and said, “Kejriwal himself removed all these bus posts and his letter is in public domain.” Now that the elections are approaching, AAP leaders are suddenly remembering the marshals. While the AAP was indulging in political drama, the LG met the marshals and assured them that action would be taken.”

Sachdeva added that BJP MPs had submitted a memorandum to the CM demanding reinstatement and regularization of 10,000 bus posts.