New Delhi: Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta has officially referred the controversial “Phansi Ghar” issue to the Assembly’s Privileges Committee. This decision comes following a heated debate in the House, with the committee now set to summon former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia for their alleged involvement in the matter.
Addressing the House, Speaker Gupta stated, “Based on the consensus in the Assembly, we have decided to restore this historic building to its original form.” He criticized the previous AAP government’s move to establish a “Phansi Ghar” (gallows chamber) and tunnel within the Assembly premises, calling it “a grave insult to history and a betrayal of public trust.”
Gupta further described the alterations as “unauthorised modifications to a heritage structure”, branding them as a “major fraud” that undermined the dignity of the legislative body. He added, “History will never forgive such misdeeds.”
The controversy centers around an event held on August 9, 2022, during which a plaque was unveiled at the site by the then AAP government to commemorate the Quit India Movement. The plaque featured the names of Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia and labeled the site as “Phansi Ghar.” The Speaker announced that the House has now resolved to remove the plaque.
In addition to Kejriwal and Sisodia, former Speaker Ram Niwas Goel and former Deputy Speaker Rakhi Birla are also expected to be summoned by the committee, as the inauguration reportedly occurred under their supervision.
“The dignity of the Assembly was compromised, and public sentiment was exploited. This is a serious breach of privilege and cannot be ignored,” Gupta emphasized.
The issue gained further traction when Delhi Minister and BJP leader Parvesh Verma visited the site and accused the previous government of distorting history. “This location was originally designed as an elevator shaft during the British era. There were no gallows here. Arvind Kejriwal has fabricated a historical narrative,” Verma told reporters, citing evidence including maps, photographs, and documents.
The “Phansi Ghar” site, located within the Delhi Assembly premises, was opened to the public by the previous AAP government. However, questions about its authenticity have sparked a major political and historical dispute, now under investigation by the Privileges Committee.
