Photo Row in Delhi CM’s Office Sparks BJP-AAP Clash

A fresh political row erupted in Delhi after allegations surfaced that photographs of Dr. BR Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh were removed from the Chief Minister’s Office.

The issue led to a heated exchange between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday.

Former Chief Minister Atishi spearheaded AAP’s attack, sharing an image showing Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh’s photos prominently displayed behind her when she was in office.

She compared this with another image showing newly-appointed CM Rekha Gupta seated in the same office, but with portraits of Mahatma Gandhi, President Droupadi Murmu, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the wall.

The BJP swiftly countered these claims by releasing a different image showing Ambedkar’s photo placed on an adjacent wall. A video later emerged showing the same arrangement.

AAP’s Allegations Against BJP

AAP leaders accused BJP of deliberately sidelining the icons of Dalit and Sikh identity.

Addressing a press conference, Atishi said, “The anti-Dalit mentality of the BJP is well known. Today, proof of its anti-Dalit mentality has been presented. Arvind Kejriwal had put up photos of Babasaheb Ambedkar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh in every office of the Delhi government. Since BJP took over, both these photos have been removed from the CM’s office.”

AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that removing Ambedkar’s photo hurt millions of his followers.

In a tweet, he stated, “The new BJP government of Delhi removed Babasaheb’s photo and put up the photo of Prime Minister Modi. This is not right. This has hurt millions of followers of Babasaheb.” He urged BJP to reinstall Ambedkar’s photo while retaining the PM’s portrait.

BJP’s Response and Justification

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta dismissed AAP’s allegations as a diversion tactic aimed at deflecting attention from corruption charges against the previous AAP government.

She argued that official offices must display the head of government and nation’s highest authorities.

“Should the photo of the Head of Government not be put up? Should the photo of the President of the country not be put up? Should the photo of the Father of the Nation not be put up? Bhagat Singh and Babasaheb are respected personalities of the country, and their portraits remain in the CM’s office. My priority is to serve the people, not respond to AAP’s false claims,” Gupta stated.

A video from the office showed portraits of Mahatma Gandhi, President Murmu, and PM Modi placed behind the Chief Minister’s chair, while Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh’s photos were positioned on adjacent walls.

BJP leaders emphasized that the photos were never removed, just rearranged.

Political Fallout and Assembly Session

The controversy erupted just as the Delhi Assembly convened its first session after BJP’s landslide victory in the February 5 elections, ending AAP’s decade-long rule.

With pending Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports on AAP’s performance set to be tabled, BJP MLA Arvinder Singh Lovely accused AAP of trying to divert attention from the upcoming discussions.

“These people are scared of the CAG reports. That is why they are creating chaos. They have no real issue, but they cannot escape the scrutiny,” Lovely remarked.

Punjab Assembly’s Reaction

The political tremors extended beyond Delhi, with the Punjab Vidhan Sabha passing a resolution condemning the alleged removal of Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh’s photos.

Cabinet Minister Aman Arora termed the act as “anti-Dalit” and disrespectful to the architect of the Constitution. The resolution was passed unanimously, with plans to write to the President of India regarding the issue.

The BJP-AAP conflict over the placement of these iconic figures’ photos reflects deeper political and ideological battles.

While AAP accuses BJP of ignoring Dalit and Sikh icons, BJP maintains that their images remain intact, but with a different arrangement.

With the Delhi Assembly in session and CAG reports looming, this controversy is likely to fuel further political debates in the coming days.