NEW DELHI — Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal appeared before the Delhi Assembly’s Privileges Committee on Friday, March 6, 2026, to defend the authenticity of a purported British-era execution chamber, or “Phansi Ghar,” located within the assembly premises. The hearing marked a sharp escalation in the ideological battle between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led assembly administration.
1. The Conflict: Execution Chamber or Tiffin Lift?
The controversy stems from a renovated section of the assembly that Kejriwal inaugurated as a historic gallows in August 2022.
- AAP’s Stance: Kejriwal and former Speaker Ram Niwas Goel maintain the site is a sacred space where freedom fighters were executed by the British. Kejriwal told reporters that portraying the chamber as a “tiffin room” is a deliberate attempt to “insult the martyrs.”
- BJP’s Stance: Current Speaker Vijender Gupta countered by citing a 1912 map of the complex, which he claims proves the structure was actually a lift used for transporting tiffins (lunch boxes) and supplies. Gupta accused Kejriwal of misleading the nation with a “fake narrative.”
2. Contempt and Security Breaches
The proceedings were marked by high drama both inside and outside the assembly:
- Security Row: AAP alleged a serious security breach after Delhi Police reportedly barred Kejriwal’s Personal Security Officer (PSO) and staff from entering the premises. The party noted that as a leader with Z+ security, this restriction posed a significant risk.
- Manish Sisodia Skips: While Kejriwal, Ram Niwas Goel, and Rakhi Birla appeared, former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia skipped the hearing.
- Contempt Warning: Speaker Vijender Gupta stated that the AAP leaders had already committed “contempt of the house” by repeatedly failing to appear for previous summonses. He warned that the committee would submit a report on these breaches of privilege.
3. “Confidential” vs. “Live-Streamed”
Kejriwal had requested that the committee’s proceedings be live-streamed to ensure transparency. However, the assembly secretariat denied the request on Friday morning, stating that privilege committee meetings are confidential by rule and that there is no precedent for telecasting them.
Phansi Ghar Controversy: Key Players & Claims
| Party / Official | Position on the Structure | Argument / Evidence |
| Arvind Kejriwal (AAP) | Phansi Ghar (Execution Room) | Discovered in 2022; honoring freedom fighters. |
| Vijender Gupta (BJP) | Tiffin Room (Lift Chamber) | 1912 British maps; lack of historical execution records. |
| Privileges Committee | Under Investigation | Summoned leaders for “wilful absence” and “fake claims.” |
| Ram Niwas Goel | Phansi Ghar | Spearheaded the 2022 discovery and renovation. |