Why is Punjab's CM Mann Holding a Special Session?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Punjab government’s special session has drawn significant criticism.
- Opposition leaders accuse CM Mann of obscuring failures.
- Concerns over flood management and misallocation of funds are central to the debate.
- Previous special sessions have been deemed ineffective by the opposition.
- Accountability is a key demand from Punjab’s citizens.
New Delhi, Sep 26 (NationPress) The decision by the Punjab government to hold a special session of the Assembly faced intense backlash on Friday from opposition figures, who alleged that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was utilizing such initiatives to obscure failures instead of addressing the concerns of the populace.
In an interview with IANS, Punjab Congress president and MP Amrinder Singh Raja Warring stated that the AAP administration has little to showcase on the ground despite grand assertions.
“What do they intend to display in this special session? It appears they aim to conceal their shortcomings. They may claim achievements, but unless citizens recognize that the government has delivered, nothing will change,” Warring commented.
He accused the Mann administration of failing dramatically in flood management.
“The residents of Punjab believe the government faltered in managing floods. We will bring up all these issues, including the whereabouts of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) money. Relief funds have been misallocated, and the CAG report indicates that ₹9,000 crore remains unutilized. Where is that money? These issues require serious dialogue,” he added.
Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa also questioned the logic behind holding numerous special sessions without any substantial outcomes.
Speaking to reporters, Bajwa said, “I want to inquire of CM Bhagwant Mann about the results of the earlier special sessions that were convened. What was achieved?”
He cited instances, noting that in August 2022, the Assembly passed a resolution requesting the transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab. “What occurred afterward? Nothing. Each session called by CM Mann has led to zero results,” he stated.
Bajwa recalled another special sitting was held in October 2022 to discuss ‘Operation Lotus,’ amidst allegations of the BJP attempting to lure AAP legislators with financial incentives.
“One of their MLAs even filed an FIR with the Vigilance. Each session costs ₹1 crore. The public deserves to know what transpired with Operation Lotus. The outcome was again zero. Ironically, that same MLA, Sheetal Angural, later joined the BJP,” Bajwa added.
Both leaders emphasized that Friday’s special session must not devolve into another pointless political maneuver and should instead prioritize accountability and relief for the citizens of Punjab.