A fresh political firestorm erupted in Delhi as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) took aim at Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, accusing her of facilitating “Phulera-style governance.” AAP leaders drew attention to a now-circulating photograph that shows Rekha Gupta’s husband, Manish Gupta, at a high-level government meeting with senior officials from MCD, DJB, PWD, and DUSIB—despite lacking any official government role.

The term “Phulera Panchayat,” borrowed from a popular rural-centric web series, was used by AAP to highlight its concerns about blurred lines between family and administration. In response, the BJP hit back, defending the First Family and labeling AAP’s jibe as baseless. They turned their own cannons toward AAP, invoking Arvind Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal, who had addressed the media from the CM’s office while he was jailed, suggesting that AAP had set similar precedents.

In the digital arena, BJP Delhi President Virendra Sachdeva countered strongly, stating that Rekha Gupta’s achievements rising from DU student leader to CM stand testament to her capability and that familial support is natural, not suspicious. He expressed surprise at this argument of AAP, especially on the statement of a female leader Atishi, arguing that it is contrary to the empowerment of women.

This dispute indicates a deep dispute over transparency and constitutional standards. Amidst the already being targeted by civil problems like power cuts and school fees hike, the dispute adds a layer of more investigation on Chief Minister Gupta's administration.

As the political mercury of Delhi is climbing, everyone's eyes are on whether this dispute will deepen or end-and what will affect the public confidence in governance.