The power struggle in the national capital ramped up on Tuesday, with Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra taking to X (formerly Twitter) his scorching commentary on the AAP's governance. In the midst of a courtroom fight with the Punjab Police over an FIR, Mishra tweeted: “The one who committed the crime is absconding and missing... instead of catching them, the police are chasing those who showed the truth.” LoP Atishi, who is referred to by this tweet, sits on the sidelines and has not held a session of the Delhi Assembly since her alleged comments on a Sikh religious figure in a big conflict.
The Controversy: A ‘Doctored Video’?
The controversy started during the Winter Session of the Delhi Assembly (January 5–9, 2026) when a video clip of Atishi was released by Kapil Mishra and various BJP MLAs. Grievously, Mishra alleged that the LoP had "insensitive" and "insulting" comments against Guru Tegh Bahadur during a debate. In retaliation, the AAP-led Punjab government’s Jalandhar Police lodged an FIR against Mishra and others, alleging the video was “edited and doctored” to tarnish Atishi’s image.
Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra tweets, "The one who committed the crime is absconding and missing..." pic.twitter.com/D4tw4S48fw
— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2026
Delhi Assembly Flags 'Breach of Privilege'
The constitutional twist was thrown when Speaker Vijender Gupta played a role. The video recording of Assembly proceedings is the exclusive property of the House, the Speaker observed.
- Notices: The Delhi Assembly has sent notices to three senior Punjab Police officials (the DGP and the Jalandhar Police Commissioner) asking the above-mentioned to provide an explanation in 48 hours.
- The Argument: Gupta asserted that the Punjab Police’s invocation of House footage to file a case against a sitting Delhi minister is a “breach of privilege” and “unwarranted interference” against the dignity of the Assembly.
Kapil Mishra’s Defiant Stance
Kapil Mishra has refused to retreat even the FIR notwithstanding. In few posts that followed, he accused the AAP convenor of 'using the state machinery of Punjab' to shield Atishi from public accountability. "Everyone saw the recording. If she didn't say it, why hasn't she stepped into the Assembly to clarify?" Mishra challenged. He also claimed what he called the Punjab Police being utilized as "a political tool" to quash the dissent of the Delhi government.
Forensic Probe Ordered
The Speaker has instructed the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to examine the original recording of the House to determine whether the video has been altered. The report is expected in 15 days. Meanwhile, the Delhi BJP Sikh Cell has recently issued a public protest statement outside the AAP's headquarters, demanding Atishi’s resignation and an unconditional apology to the Sikh community.
