Mohan Singh Bisht, a six-term Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator representing the Patel Nagar constituency, was elected unopposed as the Deputy Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly on July 5, 2024. The election, conducted during a one-day monsoon session, saw Bisht secure 56 votes in favor, with zero opposition votes recorded, following the absence of all Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) members from the proceedings. Bisht, who has held his assembly seat since 1993, becomes the first BJP legislator to occupy the Deputy Speaker’s position in the current assembly, where AAP holds a majority with 62 out of 70 seats.
The election process unfolded under the supervision of Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel, an AAP member, who presided over the session. According to legislative records, the Deputy Speaker’s post had remained vacant since February 2023, following the resignation of AAP legislator Rakhi Birla. BJP legislators, who form the opposition with eight seats, nominated Bisht for the role, citing constitutional provisions mandating the filling of key positions irrespective of political majorities. AAP members, however, staged a coordinated walkout before voting commenced, labeling the process “procedurally irregular” and accusing the BJP of disregarding parliamentary norms.
Bisht’s political career spans over three decades, with consecutive electoral victories in 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013, and 2020. Legislative data highlights his previous roles, including Chairman of the Estimates Committee and membership in key panels such as Public Accounts and Petitions. His appointment marks a rare instance of cross-party collaboration in the Delhi Assembly, which has seen heightened tensions between AAP and BJP members in recent years. Speaker Goel acknowledged Bisht’s institutional experience, stating his tenure could bolster legislative efficiency, while emphasizing the need for cooperative governance.
The BJP defended its decision to nominate Bisht, underscoring constitutional obligations to ensure the assembly’s functionality. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva described the election as a “step toward upholding democratic traditions,” despite AAP’s criticism of the move as politically motivated. AAP legislators, meanwhile, argued that the Deputy Speaker’s election should have followed broader consultations, calling the BJP’s unilateral approach “divisive.” The absence of AAP members during the vote, however, ensured Bisht’s unopposed election, as procedural rules permit decisions via simple majority in such scenarios.
Assembly records indicate that the Deputy Speaker’s role includes presiding over sessions in the Speaker’s absence, mediating debates, and assisting in administrative duties. Bisht’s appointment is expected to streamline legislative workflows, particularly during periods when the Speaker is unavailable. Analysts note that while the BJP holds limited seats in the assembly, its focus on securing constitutional posts reflects a strategy to maintain institutional influence.
Political observers highlight the broader context of AAP-BJP tensions, which have intensified since the 2023 municipal elections and ongoing debates over governance authority in the capital. Bisht’s election, while procedurally routine, underscores the challenges of bipartisan cooperation in a politically polarized environment. His long-standing legislative expertise, however, may provide opportunities for procedural stability, even amid ideological disagreements.
The Delhi Assembly Secretariat confirmed that Bisht will assume his duties immediately, with his term extending until the conclusion of the current legislative session in 2025. His election adds to the BJP’s recent efforts to strengthen its foothold in Delhi’s political landscape, where AAP has dominated since 2015. As Deputy Speaker, Bisht’s responsibilities will include overseeing committee assignments, managing legislative agendas, and ensuring adherence to parliamentary protocols—a role demanding impartiality and procedural acumen.
Speaker Goel reiterated the assembly’s commitment to collaborative functioning, urging all parties to prioritize public welfare over partisan disputes. The AAP, meanwhile, has signaled plans to contest the Deputy Speaker election process in future sessions, advocating for reforms to ensure “equitable representation.” For now, Bisht’s appointment stands as a testament to the Delhi Assembly’s adherence to constitutional mandates, even amid evolving political dynamics.
