There was supposed to be a debate on how to tackle pollution in the national capital, but the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) House proceedings on Thursday dissolved into a haze of noise, jostling, and property damage. Members from the ruling BJP and the main Opposition AAP shouted at each other, threw water and files, with the Congress members playing a part too. Marshals eventually escorted Mayor Pravesh Wahi to safety.
When the House reconvened, discussions shifted to Delhi’s worsening air pollution. Opposition councillors questioned the civic body’s and the government’s efforts to tackle the crisis.
Trouble began when AAP councillors demanded the immediate release of development funds for their wards. The chaos was aggravated by a sharp exchange between Congress leader Nazia Danish and AAP’s Ankush Narang. As Danish criticised the AAP during her address, Narang accused her of being close to the BJP. The matter has now been referred to the House’s disciplinary committee, which will examine the conduct of the councillors involved and decide on further action.
Responding to the demand, Mayor Wahi announced the release of Rs 25 lakh in development funds and said a total of Rs 2 crore would be made available to councillors during the current financial year. The announcement, however, failed to pacify the opposition, with AAP councillors demanding that the immediate allocation be increased to Rs 1 crore.
Hitting back, Danish said she was not Shagufta Chaudhary, who would go on to join the BJP. Mayor Wahi said, “If the committee recommends suspension, we will go ahead with that as well.”
