'Atishi Kahan Hain?': Delhi govt puts up poster against former AAP CM over Guru Tegh Bahadur remark

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government on Tuesday put up a poster targeting leader of opposition Atishi, asking “Where is Atishi Marlena?”, seeking a response from her over remarks allegedly made during Delhi Assembly proceedings earlier this month. Addressing a press conference, Delhi tourism minister Kapil Mishra said the controversy pertains to the January 6 Assembly sitting, during which members were holding a discussion to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji and Bhai Dayala Ji. Mishra alleged that objectionable language was used during the discussion, which hurt religious sentiments and undermined the dignity of the House. He claimed that Atishi has remained absent from the Assembly, the media and the public since the incident, despite repeated requests by the Speaker to appear before the House and clarify her position. According to Mishra, on January 7 at around 11.30 am, the Speaker read out the verbatim transcript of the video related to the alleged remarks in the House, and no member raised any objection at that time. He further alleged that attempts were made to suppress the issue by misusing resources of the Punjab government and the Punjab Police. Mishra claimed that false FIRs were registered outside Delhi and that efforts were made to intimidate individuals linked to the matter. “Today, we are releasing a poster of Atishi Marlena and want her to come forward and apologise for her statement,” Mishra said. He also urged Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann not to get involved in the matter and said the Punjab Police should be kept away from the issue. Mishra called upon Atishi to address the media and the public, and to appear before the Assembly’s Privileges Committee and face the legal process. There was no immediate response from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the allegations.