Delhi Assembly Committee of Privileges on Thursday said AAP chief and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, former Speaker Ram Niwas Goel and Deputy Speaker Rakhi Birla did not appear before it in connection with the Faansi Ghar issue.
Giving this information, Chairperson of the committee Pradyumn Singh Rajput said the panel has now given them another opportunity to place their version on record on November 20 at 2:30 pm.
During deliberations on Thursday, the Committee continued its detailed examination of the matter concerning the authenticity of the Faansi Ghar inaugurated on 9 August 2022 in the Delhi Legislative Assembly premises. The Committee reviewed the documents, background records, and other material relating to the matter, as part of its ongoing effort to scrutinise the facts and circumstances surrounding the inauguration. The subject remains under comprehensive assessment, with the Committee considering both procedural aspects and factual clarifications necessary for the inquiry.
The Chairperson further noted that the sitting saw the participation of Abhay Kumar Verma, Ajay Kumar Mahawar, Neeraj Basoya, Surya Prakash Khatri and Satish Upadhyay, allowing the Committee to proceed with its planned deliberations.
The Committee emphasised that the forthcoming sitting on November 20 will be critical for advancing the inquiry. The Committee expects the individuals who did not attend on Thursday to ensure their presence on the next date so that their statements and clarifications can be duly recorded. Cooperation from all concerned is essential for the timely and effective conclusion of the inquiry.
Kejriwal and Sisodia have already approached the Delhi High Court in the matter. Challenging the summons, they are contending that the notice showed that the proceedings are not founded on any complaint or report or refer to a motion of breach of privilege or contempt.
However, the court on Tuesday said prima facie their plea is “not maintainable”. The ‘Phansi Ghar’ was inaugurated in the presence of Kejriwal and Sisodia inside the assembly complex, when they were serving as Delhi chief minister and deputy chief minister, respectively. While Kejriwal was the chief guest, the then deputy speaker, Rakhi Birla, was the guest of honour, and Goel presided over the ceremony.
