Atishi’s Bus Marshal 'Deal' Controversy, BJP MLA Claims Deal to Get File Signed

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi turned the spotlight on Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Vijender Gupta with a sarcasm that bordered on seriousness on Friday.

Atishi's Offer to BJP MLA Gupta Highlights Bus Marshal Dispute

The slugfest over bus marshals in DTC buses has far from dissipated. After all, it has only been five months since a controversy emerged, as at October 2023 over the reintroduction of Bus Marshals who ensure woman passengers are safe while being transported by public transport. During a session of the Delhi Assembly, Atishi addressed Gupta's criticisms and playfully suggested that he could secure a "victory" in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections if he worked with the AAP government. "You just get the file for the appointment of bus marshals signed by the LG, and I will convince my party not to field any candidate against you. I will also campaign for you," she quipped. The remark was met with smiles but also highlighted the ongoing tension between the Delhi government and Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena, who has frequently been at odds with AAP.

The controversy has been in existence since October 2023 when the LG issued orders to re-task 10,000 Civil Defence Volunteers to fill Home Guard posts against the objections of the Directorate of Civil Defence. The outcome was the scrapping of bus marshals. Now, the Delhi government had suggested reinstatement of marshals, but the LG insists that more details be worked out, including roles, responsibilities, and budgetary provisions.

Atishi’s comments are a reflection of the strained relationship between the Delhi government and the LG's office, with both sides continuing to clash over control and implementation of key initiatives in the national capital. While the proposal to reinstate bus marshals has received some approval, it is still caught in bureaucratic red tape.