Delhi bus marshals row: Saurabh Bharadwaj falls at BJP MLA’s feet to…

The Delhi bus marshals issue escalated dramatically on Saturday when Delhi minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj was spotted clinging to the foot of BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition, Vijendra Gupta in an attempt to convince Vijendra Gupta and other BJP legislators to accompany AAP leaders to meet Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena.
The party’s dramatic twist did not end here, Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Atishi joined the antics. She left her car and occupied a seat in Vijendra Gupta’s car while travelling to LG’s house to ensure they could not escape the situation, according to media reports.
Emphasising their determination to push forward with the reinstatement agenda of the marshals, the AAP in a post on X claimed, “BJP MLAs tried to run away before LG passed the note,” but Saurabh Bharadwaj did not let them escape.
Saurabh Bharadwaj on October 5 said, “It was decided that we will go to the Lt Governor’s office with Vijender Gupta to submit the cabinet note. Now Gupta ji doesn’t want to sit in his own car. He is trying to run away,” after which he fell on Vijendra Gupta’s feet.
Over the issue of regularising bus marshals and civil defence volunteers, both the parties accused each other of indulging in political drama. Subsequently, after the MLAs of both parties arrived at Lieutenant Governor’s house AAP alleged that the BJP did not ask Vijender Gupta to sign the cabinet note and protested outside VK Saxena’s residence.
The agitating AAP ministers and MLAs were detained by the police alleging that no permission was granted for any protest. “BJP-LG have betrayed 10,000 bus marshals,” Saurabh Bharadwaj said. He added, “BJP MLAs said that if you pass the cabinet note, they will get the bus marshals reinstated from LG. But LG Sahab has not signed the cabinet note, he will be cursed by 10,000 bus marshals.
Charging at the BJP after the meeting with LG, Atishi accused the BJP of doing politics over the issue and betraying the bus marshals. Alleging that the BJP got exposed, she noted, “Those decisions need to be taken by us, we will take it and the BJP should ask the LG to make decisions on matters which come under him.” She asserted that the AAP called an emergency cabinet meeting and the resolution that was passed by the Delhi assembly to regularise bus marshal was signed upon.
The issue pertains to removal of more than 10,000 civil defence volunteers last year who were deployed as marshals in public transport buses, following an objection by directorate of civil defence that said they are meant for disaster management duties.
(With agency inputs)