Speaking in the Delhi Legislative Assembly today, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta strongly refuted the previous government’s claim that a section of the Assembly building was once a “Phansi Ghar” (execution chamber), calling it a gross distortion of history, an insult to national martyrs, and a betrayal of public trust.
The Chief Minister alleged that former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in a calculated attempt to gain public sympathy, had arbitrarily declared a portion of the Assembly premises as a gallows site without any documentary evidence or historical authenticity. “ Kejriwal has always engaged in calculated political theatrics every gesture, outfit, and statement carefully scripted to serve a political objective. Under the guise of honesty, patriotism, and sacrifice, people were misled. It was all a staged drama,” she stated.
Citing historical records, the Chief Minister clarified that the Assembly building was constructed in 1912 and served as the venue for sessions of the Imperial Legislative Council from 1913 to 1926. The area now being falsely portrayed as a “Phansi Ghar” was originally a service staircase constructed for British officers primarily used for tiffin service and logistical purposes. In contrast, the actual site of the old Delhi jail, where executions took place, was located at what is now Maulana Azad Medical College.
Chief Minister, rekha gupta
“Misrepresenting history not only misleads the public but also dishonours the sacrifices of our martyrs,” she said. “To inscribe falsehoods on the walls of an institution where laws are framed in accordance with the Constitution is an unpardonable act.”
The Chief Minister urged Assembly Speaker Shri Vijender Gupta and the House to immediately remove the misleading signage referencing the “Phansi Ghar” from the Assembly premises. She emphasised that this rectification is especially critical ahead of the All India Speakers’ Conference scheduled for 24–25 August, so that dignitaries from across the country are not presented with a falsified version of history and the reputation of the Delhi Assembly is upheld.
She further revealed that nearly Rs1 crore of taxpayers’ money was spent on promoting this false narrative, and called for full recovery of the amount, the registration of an FIR against those responsible, and the institution of a detailed inquiry.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the Kejriwal government misused public funds on emotionally manipulative and misleading publicity for political gain. “This is not just a political performance, it is a blatant betrayal of the people’s trust. Our government is committed to uncovering the truth and preserving the historical dignity of this institution with honesty and integrity,” she concluded.
