BJP’s new plan for Delhi Assembly: No part sessions, Question Hour in Budget

The newly elected BJP government in Delhi has announced significant changes to the Delhi Assembly’s functioning. Speaker Vijender Gupta revealed that the Assembly will no longer hold part sessions, unlike the previous AAP regime. Instead, sessions will be duly prorogued, and special sessions will only be called in emergency situations.

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Gupta emphasised the importance of running the Assembly in a fair and impartial manner, in accordance with the Constitution and Rules of Procedure. He also announced the introduction of a “Question Hour” during the Budget session, a practice that had been largely discontinued by the previous government.

“We shall do away with all the wrong practices that were being followed in the past 10 years,” Gupta said at a press conference here.

The Speaker assured that all members will be given equal importance, regardless of party affiliation. However, he warned that strict action will be taken if Rules are violated. Gupta’s primary concern is to maximise the utilisation of floor time, ensuring the House runs smoothly with cooperation, balance, and goodwill.

The first session of the 8th Delhi Assembly, which commenced on February 24, was adjourned sine die on March 3. The session saw heated exchanges between BJP and AAP MLAs, particularly on the last day. During the five sittings, 126 members expressed their views on various issues, with the House conducting business for 18 hours and 18 minutes.

Gupta expressed regret over suspending AAP MLAs for disrupting the L-G’s address on February 25. He also announced plans to turn the Old Secretariat building into a national monument or tourist attraction, and to implement the e-Vidhan project to make the Assembly paperless.

“I intend to take immediate steps to implement it and make Delhi Assembly fully computerised,” he said.