Political Chess Game: Kejriwal Skips Privilege Committee Again Amidst 'Phansi Ghar' Row

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, known for his direct approach to politics, has once again found himself at the center of a swirling controversy, giving the Delhi Assembly's Privilege Committee a miss for the second time. This latest absence, particularly from a summons related to the rather contentious 'Phansi Ghar' demolition row, only seems to add fuel to the already burning political fires in the capital. It's a classic case of high stakes, historical significance, and a good old-fashioned political standoff, isn't it?

The heart of the matter lies in the historic 'Phansi Ghar,' or gallows house, nestled within the venerable grounds of Delhi University. This isn't just any old building; it's a site steeped in the lore of India's freedom struggle, with whispers suggesting that revolutionary heroes like Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev might have been held there. The controversy erupted when plans were set in motion to demolish this structure to make way for a shiny new academic block. This move, understandably, sparked protests, with student groups like ABVP vehemently opposing the demolition, championing the preservation of a crucial piece of national heritage. And it was here that Kejriwal, along with other AAP leaders, publicly threw their weight behind the preservationists, a decision that eventually led to the Privilege Committee summons.

Now, the Privilege Committee, acting as a kind of legislative watchdog for the Delhi Assembly, isn't taking kindly to these repeated no-shows. Headed by BJP MLA Mohan Singh Bisht, the committee had initially summoned Kejriwal back in November, a call he also chose to bypass. This recent summons, scheduled for December 5th, met with the same outcome. Bisht, speaking for the committee, has voiced considerable frustration, suggesting that such disregard for a legislative body's authority cannot simply be overlooked. The committee, he implied, will soon be deliberating its "next course of action," a phrase that always hints at potential escalation.

But the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) isn't backing down either, not one bit. Their consistent line of defense has been to outright challenge the legitimacy of the committee itself. From their perspective, this particular Privilege Committee is "illegal and unconstitutional," a body they believe lacks the proper authority to summon the Chief Minister. They argue quite passionately that the Delhi Assembly Speaker simply doesn't possess the power to constitute such a committee, framing the entire exercise as a politically motivated witch hunt orchestrated by their opponents. It’s a bold claim, effectively sidestepping the summons by questioning the very hand that issues it.

So, what we have here is more than just a procedural disagreement; it's a microcosm of the ongoing power tussle between the ruling AAP and the BJP in Delhi. The 'Phansi Ghar' row, initially about historical preservation versus urban development, has clearly morphed into a full-blown political slugfest, with each side accusing the other of either obstructionism or political vendetta. As Kejriwal continues to keep his distance from the committee hearings, the question remains: how will this particular standoff resolve? Will the committee escalate its actions, or will the AAP's challenge to its legitimacy gain traction? Only time, and perhaps a bit more political maneuvering, will tell.