Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Wednesday strongly criticised Leader of the Opposition and AAP leader Atishi Marlena for what he described as an “insensitive” remark made during an Assembly discussion on Sikh religious figure Guru Tegh Bahadur. Sirsa claimed that the comment was disrespectful and urged the media to wait for the official release of the video by Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, stating that the footage would expose both the alleged insensitivity of the remark and what he termed the opposition leader’s “misconduct.”

The minister announced that a formal motion condemning the statement would be introduced and requested the Speaker to take immediate notice of the matter. While praising the historical and spiritual contributions of Guru Tegh Bahadur, Sirsa criticised Atishi for refusing to engage constructively in the discussion and for worsening the situation with what he called a harsh and objectionable remark.

Addressing reporters, Sirsa said he had formally asked the Speaker to make the disputed statement public, adding that the comment, made during an ongoing discussion on Guru Tegh Bahadur, was deeply offensive. He reiterated his condemnation and expressed hope that the Speaker would both acknowledge the issue and release the video so that the public could judge for themselves. Emphasising the universal significance of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom, Sirsa said the Sikh leader’s sacrifice was meant to protect the faith and freedom of the people of India, and therefore any refusal to engage respectfully on the subject was unacceptable.

The Aam Aadmi Party had staged a protest at the Delhi Assembly on Tuesday over rising air pollution and worsening AQI levels in the capital. Atishi accused the BJP of evading responsibility and avoiding serious debate on the pollution crisis. She warned of severe health consequences, stating that children are being forced to use steroid inhalers, major hospitals such as AIIMS are overwhelmed with patients experiencing breathing difficulties, and senior citizens are facing life-threatening risks. She further alleged that the government was indulging in “theatrics” by manipulating AQI readings with water sprays instead of addressing the crisis through urgent legislative action.