Was a British-era execution room or a tiffin room in the Delhi Assembly? This question sparked a fierce political debate during the Monsoon session’s second day.
Speaker Vijender Gupta presented a 2011 map from the Assembly building’s construction. He stated the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, led by then-chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, wrongly claimed the site had a British-era execution room in 2022. Gupta asserted it was actually a tiffin room used for food transport.
Gupta also dismissed AAP’s claims of a tunnel linking the Assembly to the Red Fort.
However, AAP leader Atishi countered. She argued the BJP government was avoiding major issues. She accused them of wasting taxpayer money on such discussions.
Delhi minister Parvesh Sahib Singh addressed the Assembly. He noted the previous Speaker, Ram Niwas Goel, had called it an execution room. Singh stated this did not match their discovered maps.
He accused Kejriwal of spending heavily on renovations. He also accused him of distorting history.
The minister added the Archaeological Survey of India confirmed it was not a historical site. He said an official told Kejriwal an execution room existed. Kejriwal then began renovations without consulting ASI or Delhi archives.
The Speaker criticized the former AAP government. A plaque was installed there, marking August 9, 1942. It was presented as a tourist spot with a claim of a former gallows. The truth is, no gallows were ever there.
Gupta explained the room was a tiffin room. Its wooden lift moved food and items. It was wrongly labeled a gallows with a trapdoor.
Gupta emphasized the institution’s dignity. He asked the opposition to clarify its stance. He also requested an apology from the AAP chief.
Atishi released a statement attacking the ruling party. She questioned the Assembly’s current discussion. Running the Assembly costs taxpayers significant money hourly. She pointed out discussions were avoided on housing, schools, and hospital medicine shortages. She added the BJP only wanted to discuss a “hanging room.”
The heated exchange occurred between ruling and opposition members. A British Parliament delegation was visiting the Assembly.