Delhi: The political face-off surrounding an alleged video clip of Delhi Leader of Opposition Atishi intensified on Saturday, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) strongly disputing Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta’s assertion that a forensic report had validated the clip and ruled out any tampering. The controversy has taken a sharper turn, drawing reactions from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and senior AAP leaders, who allege political misuse of investigative agencies.
The row centres on accusations that Atishi made a remark disrespectful to Sikh Gurus in a video circulated on social media. Speaker Gupta, addressing a press conference, said the clip had been sent for forensic examination on January 8 at AAP’s request and that the report confirmed its authenticity. According to him, the forensic analysis found the video to be original, with its audio and visuals matching frame by frame. He added that the transcript also aligned with the recording and that the Assembly would determine the next course of action.
AAP, however, rejected the Speaker’s interpretation of the report. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann questioned the credibility of the claims, stating that both forensic findings and court observations had already indicated that Atishi did not use the word “Guru,” which lies at the heart of the controversy. Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Mann alleged political interference and challenged the BJP to allow an impartial investigation if it was confident of its position.
AAP spokesperson Anurag Dhanda said a forensic report submitted before a court in Jalandhar clearly stated that the disputed word was not spoken in the clip. He added that a similar conclusion was reached by forensic experts in Delhi, contradicting the Speaker’s public statements.
Delhi AAP president Saurabh Bharadwaj also criticised the Speaker’s remarks, saying they failed to address the central allegation. He accused the BJP of attempting to provoke religious sentiments by circulating the video and demanded action against those responsible.
Earlier, Punjab Police had claimed that its forensic examination found signs of manipulation in the clip, leading to the registration of an FIR in Jalandhar over its circulation. Following this, AAP chief whip Sanjiv Jha sought action for breach of privilege against Delhi minister Kapil Mishra, who had shared the video online.
Speaker Gupta, meanwhile, accused the Punjab government of rushing through its own forensic process and registering an FIR without due diligence. He announced plans to seek a CBI investigation into the entire episode, including the forensic tests conducted by Punjab authorities. The Speaker also alleged that political motives were behind the use of Punjab officials and warned Chief Minister Mann against intervening in matters related to the Delhi Assembly.
Gupta further said Atishi should appear before him and offer an apology, warning that failure to do so could invite strict action by the Assembly. Atishi has denied the allegations, accusing the BJP of dragging the name of Guru Tegh Bahadur into political sparring. She has stayed away from Assembly proceedings since the controversy erupted.
Adding to the escalation, Kapil Mishra claimed the forensic report had conclusively established wrongdoing and accused AAP leadership of misusing the Punjab Police to protect Atishi, deepening the standoff between the two sides.
