Is the Punjab Assembly Session a True Reflection of Democracy?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a startling turn of events, the Punjab Assembly session was adjourned in a mere 11 minutes, costing taxpayers significantly. Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa criticizes the government for failing to address pressing issues, labeling it a mockery of democracy. What does this mean for the state’s governance?
Key Takeaways
- Punjab Assembly session adjourned in just 11 minutes.
- Cost to taxpayers reached nearly Rs 1 crore.
- Leader of Opposition Bajwa criticized the government for lack of transparency.
- Key issues like law and order were sidelined.
- Concerns raised about the anti-sacrilege Bill's credibility.
Chandigarh, July 10 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition in Punjab and seasoned Congress figure Partap Singh Bajwa has condemned the government led by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for what he termed a “mockery of democracy”. This criticism follows the abrupt conclusion of the Assembly's first session, lasting merely 11 minutes and costing taxpayers nearly Rs 1 crore, translating to about Rs 9.09 lakh per minute.
“This administration has transformed governance into a theatrical performance, with the Assembly becoming a platform for a rehearsed drama,” stated Bajwa.
“To adjourn a session in 11 minutes at the expense of Rs 1 crore is not only an extravagant waste but also a betrayal of democratic principles,” he expressed.
The Assembly took a moment to honor those who have passed, including victims of the unfortunate plane crash in Ahmedabad, since the previous session.
On the inaugural day of a two-day special Vidhan Sabha session, the House paid tribute to several departed individuals, including Tarn Taran legislator Kashmir Singh Sohal, former Union Minister Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, renowned writer Rattan Singh Jaggi, martyrs Naik Surinder Singh, Lance Naik Baljeet Singh, Lance Naik Gurpreet Singh, businessman Sanjay Verma, and the victims of the Ahmedabad air crash.
A moment of silence was held to honor these souls during the obituary segment.
However, Bajwa mentioned that he had formally reached out to Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, urging for an extension of the session to facilitate discussion on two pressing matters: the deteriorating law and order situation and the contentious land pooling scheme, which farmers widely view as a land grab.
“Rather than addressing these significant issues, the AAP government opted for an 11-minute closure,” Bajwa told reporters.
He further noted the troubling absence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann from the Assembly.
“He will likely use social media to falsely assert that the Opposition boycotted the session. The reality is that this was never intended to be a genuine session; it was merely a public relations stunt, and a costly one at that,” Bajwa added.
The Opposition Leader also raised concerns regarding the credibility of the AAP government's proposed “anti-sacrilege Bill”, which was purportedly the rationale for the special session.
“They haven't even shared a copy of the Bill with the Opposition. I seriously question if a draft even exists. The AAP government isn't being managed from Chandigarh; it's being remotely directed from Delhi by party head Arvind Kejriwal,” concluded the Congress leader.
Point of View
It's essential to highlight the implications of the Punjab Assembly's brief session. The criticisms from Partap Singh Bajwa underline a significant disconnect between the government and pressing public concerns. This incident reflects broader trends in governance, where transparency and accountability must remain at the forefront of democratic processes.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Punjab Assembly session end so quickly?
The Assembly session concluded in just 11 minutes, which has drawn criticism for being a waste of taxpayer money and failing to address critical issues.
What issues did Bajwa want to discuss?
Bajwa wanted to discuss the alarming law and order situation and the controversial land pooling scheme, which farmers have rejected.
What was the cost of the session?
The cost of the session was nearly Rs 1 crore, or approximately Rs 9.09 lakh per minute.
Who was absent from the Assembly session?
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann was notably absent from the Assembly session, raising further concerns.
What is the anti-sacrilege Bill mentioned?
The anti-sacrilege Bill, allegedly the reason for the special session, has not been shared with the Opposition, leading to doubts about its authenticity.
