Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Directs MLAs To Dress Decently After Kirari MLA Video
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta asked members of the legislative assembly to dress decently while dealing with women after a video went viral showing Aam Aadmi Party legislator Anil Jha sitting in a vest and shorts while signing forms for the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana in Kirari. Pointing at the opposition bench during assembly proceedings on Monday, Gupta reprimanded the Kirari MLA for his attire and behavior in front of women constituents.
The video that went viral online shows Jha seated cross-legged on a chair with a saffron cloth draped over his lap. In the recording, several people, including women, were seen waiting before his desk while the MLA signed the official documents for the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana financial assistance scheme.
Addressing Jha directly during the assembly session, Chief Minister Gupta said that an MLA should maintain propriety while dealing with women constituents. She described his behavior as shameful and insisted that legislators should at least dress properly when women come to get their official papers signed.
Gupta also issued a warning regarding the administrative requirements of the state welfare scheme. Currently, the signature of the local MLA or MP is mandatory for residents applying for the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana financial assistance scheme. Gupta warned that if this conduct continues, she would get the provision requiring an official signature to submit the application form cancelled.
In addition to addressing the viral video, the Chief Minister accused AAP legislators of making obscene gestures during the legislative assembly proceedings and sought action against them.
Responding to the criticism on Tuesday, Jha questioned the Chief Minister's objection to his attire by drawing a comparison with the clothing worn by RSS workers. Jha asked whether the Chief Minister finds the half pants worn by RSS cadres objectionable, and noted that the freedom struggle was fought while Mahatma Gandhi wore a dhoti.
Jha further defended his attire by referencing the socio-economic condition of his constituency in Delhi. Stating that his Kirari assembly constituency is located in a poor area, Jha said he has to conduct himself according to the character of the area.
