New Delhi, 13 January (H.S.): The Delhi government escalated its confrontation with Leader of the Opposition Atishi on Tuesday by erecting a prominent poster featuring her image emblazoned with the provocative question, Where is Atishi Marlena? The display publicly demands clarification from Atishi over allegedly inflammatory remarks she made during Delhi Assembly proceedings earlier this month.

Tensions have simmered since the controversy erupted, drawing sharp political divides between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra addressed a press conference to spotlight the issue, pinpointing the January 6 Assembly sitting convened to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, alongside Bhai Sati Das Ji, Bhai Mati Das Ji, and Bhai Dayala Ji.

Mishra accused Atishi of deploying objectionable language amid the solemn discussion, claiming it wounded Sikh religious sentiments and undermined the dignity of the legislative House. BJP leaders, including Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, have amplified protests, alleging Atishi disrupted the event with unrelated tirades, prompting immediate walkouts and demands for her resignation.

The poster campaign follows a cascade of Assembly disruptions, street demonstrations, and a forensic probe ordered by Speaker Vijender Gupta into a widely circulated video of the purported remarks.

AAP counters that the clip was doctored—specifically denying Atishi uttered the word Guru as captioned—while BJP insists on unedited evidence of disrespect toward the Sikh Guru, known as Hind di Chaddar for his sacrifice. Privileges Committee scrutiny, mandated to report within 15 days, has fueled war-of-words, with AAP alleging BJP orchestration to stoke communal fires ahead of elections, and saffron leaders vowing sustained agitation until accountability is enforced.

No formal response from Atishi has surfaced amid reports of her public absence, leaving the political standoff unresolved as both sides brace for further clashes.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar