New Delhi, Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee President Shri Devender Yadav has firmly responded to a summons from the Privileges Committee of the Delhi Assembly, which was issued following his criticism of the excessive expenditure on the renovation of the 9, Sham Nath Marg bungalow. He stated that invoking Rule 82 of the Delhi Legislative Assembly’s Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, 2019 is not applicable here, as he is currently not a member of the Assembly and the House is not in session.
Yadav expressed serious concerns over the Committee’s ability to impartially investigate this matter since the Hon’ble Speaker, who constituted the Committee, is also the complainant. He highlighted that such proceedings contradict fundamental principles of natural justice and several judicial rulings.
Reaffirming the role of the Delhi Congress as a responsible opposition, Yadav declared the party’s commitment to continue raising voices on key issues affecting marginalized communities—including farmers, women, youth, and economically weaker sections—while exposing misuse of public funds. He emphasized that the party would not be silenced by the authoritarian tactics of the BJP government in Delhi.
Advocate Sunil Kumar, Chairman of the Legal and Human Rights Department, noted that legal representatives attempted to meet the Privileges Committee Chairperson to submit Yadav’s response and challenge the summons’ legality, but their request was declined. Consequently, the reply was formally submitted to the Committee’s office.
Yadav criticized the Privileges Committee for exceeding its mandate by summoning him, describing it as a tool used to intimidate both him and the Congress party for spotlighting the exorbitant Rs 2.35 crore expenditure on the Sham Nath Marg bungalow renovations, which included nearly Rs 95 lakh spent on luxury bathroom fittings, as detailed in the tender documents.
Concluding, Shri Devender Yadav reaffirmed Delhi Congress’s unwavering commitment to defend public interest and hold the government accountable, pledging to continue their advocacy without yielding to political pressure or misuse of official power.
About the Author
