New Delhi, January 13, 2026 – The Delhi government on Tuesday escalated its confrontation with Leader of Opposition Atishi, putting up a poster featuring her image with the caption “Where is Atishi Marlena?” The move comes as the administration seeks a response from her over remarks she allegedly made during the Delhi Assembly earlier this month, which have sparked controversy and accusations of hurting religious sentiments.

The poster, prominently displayed in the city, was accompanied by statements from Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, who addressed the media in a press conference detailing the government’s position on the matter. According to Mishra, the incident in question occurred during the Delhi Assembly session held on January 6, when a discussion was underway to mark 350 years of the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji, Bhai Mati Das Ji, and Bhai Dayala Ji. These historical figures hold profound significance in Sikh history, and the session was intended as a solemn commemoration of their sacrifices.

Mishra alleged that Atishi’s remarks during the Assembly debate included objectionable language, which he claimed hurt religious sentiments and compromised the dignity of the House. While the specific content of the alleged remarks was not detailed by the minister, he asserted that the statements were serious enough to warrant intervention from the House and that repeated efforts to get clarification from Atishi had so far gone unheeded.

“There has been no response from Atishi Marlena, despite repeated requests by the Speaker for her to appear before the House and clarify her position,” Mishra said. He noted that Atishi has remained absent not only from the Assembly proceedings but also from media interactions and public engagements following the incident. “Her absence has made it necessary for the government to seek public clarification in a visible manner, hence the release of this poster,” the minister added.

Mishra recounted the procedural handling of the incident in the Assembly. On January 7, at approximately 11:30 am, the Speaker reportedly read out the verbatim transcript of the video of Atishi’s remarks in the House. According to Mishra, no member of the Assembly raised any objection at that time, suggesting that the matter was initially allowed to pass without immediate dispute. However, Mishra claimed that subsequent actions indicated attempts to suppress the issue.

The minister alleged that resources of the Punjab government and Punjab Police were misused in connection with the incident. He claimed that false FIRs were registered outside Delhi and that attempts were made to intimidate people, although he did not provide specific details of these alleged actions. “Efforts were made to suppress the matter and divert attention from the seriousness of the remarks, but such actions will not deter us from seeking accountability,” Mishra said.

Addressing the media directly, Mishra said, “Today, we are releasing a poster of Atishi Marlena and want her to come forward and apologize for her statement.” The poster, with her image and the provocative caption, is a visual representation of the government’s demand for public clarification and response. By putting up the poster, the Delhi administration aims to increase public awareness of the issue and pressurize the opposition leader to address the allegations formally.

The minister also addressed Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, urging him not to become a party to the controversy. Mishra emphasized that Punjab Police should be kept away from issues that, according to him, are political in nature and have arisen within Delhi’s jurisdiction. “We call upon the Punjab authorities to maintain neutrality and ensure that law enforcement resources are not misused to influence political outcomes in Delhi,” he said.

Furthermore, Mishra invited Atishi to come forward before the media and the public, as well as to face the Assembly’s Privileges Committee and the legal process. He emphasized that the process of accountability should be transparent and public, and that avoidance or absence from proceedings cannot absolve a legislator from responsibility. “If Atishi believes she has done nothing wrong, she should face the House, the committee, and the public without delay,” he asserted.

The Aam Aadmi Party, to which Atishi belongs, did not immediately respond to the government’s allegations or the poster campaign. As of Tuesday afternoon, no official statement or clarification had been issued by her office or party leadership regarding the claims made by Mishra.

The controversy highlights ongoing political tensions in Delhi, particularly between the ruling government and the opposition. While commemorations of historical events are generally intended as moments of reflection and unity, Mishra suggested that Atishi’s remarks disrupted the decorum of the Assembly and offended religious sentiments associated with Sikh history. By bringing the matter into public attention through a poster campaign, the Delhi government appears to be escalating its demand for accountability and aiming to compel a direct response from the opposition leader.

The Assembly’s Privileges Committee, which Mishra referenced, is the body responsible for examining breaches of parliamentary or legislative conduct. Typically, matters that potentially damage the dignity of the House or violate ethical standards of behavior are referred to this committee for investigation and recommendation of appropriate action. Mishra’s insistence that Atishi face the committee signals that the Delhi government is prepared to pursue formal scrutiny and ensure that legislative norms are upheld.

Political analysts note that the strategy of public posters is relatively uncommon in Indian state politics but serves to generate visibility and media attention, effectively pressuring leaders to respond to allegations. In this case, the poster not only targets Atishi directly but also frames the controversy in terms of public accountability and moral responsibility, underscoring the government’s narrative that the opposition leader must explain her statements.

The incident also underscores the sensitivity surrounding discussions of historical and religious events in legislative settings. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and his companions are revered figures in Sikh history, and their martyrdom carries profound spiritual and cultural significance. Mishra’s repeated reference to the harm caused to religious sentiments signals an attempt to position the matter as more than a political disagreement, but as an issue of cultural and ethical accountability.

As of now, the situation remains fluid. With no response from Atishi or the Aam Aadmi Party, it is unclear whether she will appear before the Assembly, the Privileges Committee, or the public to address the allegations. Meanwhile, the Delhi government’s poster campaign ensures that the issue remains in the public eye, generating attention and debate among citizens, political commentators, and media outlets alike.

In summary, the Delhi government’s action in putting up a poster demanding a response from Atishi Marlena reflects an escalation in political confrontation following her alleged remarks during the Assembly session on January 6. Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra has framed the matter as one of legislative decorum, religious sentiment, and public accountability, urging the opposition leader to clarify her position and face the legal and procedural mechanisms of the House. The poster, combined with Mishra’s statements, represents a strategic attempt to compel a response and maintain public pressure, signaling that the government intends to pursue the matter until a resolution is achieved.