There is a saying in politics that tables often turn, but few stories illustrate this better than Vijender Gupta’s recent rise to the prestigious position of Speaker in the Delhi Assembly. Gupta, a seasoned Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, was once unceremoniously dragged out of the same House he will now preside over. And the irony? This happened under the watchful eyes of Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which once dominated the assembly with 67 out of 70 seats. Today, Kejriwal and his team find themselves out of the power corridors, while Gupta sits comfortably on the Speaker’s chair. Poetic justice? You decide.
A Flashback to the Humiliation
The year was 2015. Riding high on a wave of public support, AAP swept the Delhi Assembly elections, reducing the opposition to a mere three seats. Vijender Gupta, representing BJP, was one of those rare voices of dissent. However, his voice was often stifled. On one memorable occasion, under the direction of then-Speaker Ram Niwas Goel and reportedly at the behest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Gupta was physically dragged out of the assembly by marshals. The visuals of that day became symbolic of the unchecked power AAP wielded during its peak.
Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape has drastically changed. AAP is no longer the unchallenged force it once was. Legal troubles, internal rifts, and growing dissatisfaction among voters have weakened its grip on the capital’s politics. Kejriwal himself is out of the assembly, facing allegations of corruption linked to the liquor policy case. And Ram Niwas Goel? Also nowhere to be seen in the assembly.
Enter Vijender Gupta, the man they tried to silence. He is now the Speaker, controlling the very house from which he was once forcibly removed.
The Road to Redemption
Vijender Gupta’s journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite the humiliations and being part of a numerically weak opposition, Gupta continued to raise issues concerning governance, corruption, and public welfare. His resilience earned him respect across party lines. Even during AAP’s most dominant years, Gupta’s interventions in the assembly were seen as a much-needed check on the government.
The recent Delhi Assembly elections turned the tide in BJP’s favor, giving them the majority they had long sought. With power in their hands, the party chose Gupta as Speaker—a decision seen as both strategic and symbolic. It is a message that those who stand their ground, even in the face of adversity, will ultimately have their day.
A Lesson in Political Cycles
Gupta’s ascent serves as a classic lesson in the cyclical nature of politics. Parties rise and fall, alliances shift, and the oppressed can become the oppressors. Political observers have noted the sweet irony of Gupta occupying the Speaker’s seat. Social media users have had a field day, with memes celebrating Gupta’s ‘revenge arc’. Some called it karma; others saw it as a well-deserved reward for persistence.
However, Gupta himself has maintained a statesmanlike demeanor. After taking over as Speaker, he emphasized the need for fairness, cooperation, and ensuring that all voices are heard in the assembly. He subtly reminded everyone that he knew what it felt like to be silenced and vowed that no member, regardless of party affiliation, would face what he once did.
What It Means for Delhi Politics
Gupta’s appointment signals a new chapter in Delhi’s political narrative. BJP is keen to establish a governance model that contrasts with AAP’s style, which often faced criticism for being confrontational and populist. The party aims to focus on infrastructure, law and order, and reducing corruption. Gupta, with his experience and understanding of assembly proceedings, is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring smooth legislative functioning.
As for AAP, the message is clear: power is never permanent. The party must regroup, introspect, and rebuild if it hopes to reclaim its position. The image of Vijender Gupta presiding over the same assembly where he was once dragged out will undoubtedly serve as a constant reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in politics.