Bajwa Slams AAP for 'Blocking' Resolution Seeking Bharat Ratna for Shaheed Bhagat Singh
The Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Partap Singh Bajwa, has launched a scathing attack on the AAP government and the Speaker for refusing to allow a resolution demanding the Bharat Ratna for Shaheed Bhagat Singh to be presented before the House. This criticism comes after the Congress party formally moved the resolution on the concluding day of the session, recommending that the Government of India confer the nation's highest civilian honour upon Bhagat Singh in recognition of his unparalleled sacrifice and pivotal role in igniting the movement against British colonial rule.
Congress Resolution Blocked in Vidhan Sabha
Bajwa stated that the Congress had submitted the resolution, but it was not permitted to be put before the House, sparking outrage. He emphasized that Bhagat Singh is not merely a revolutionary figure from Punjab but a national icon who symbolizes courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of freedom for the entire country. According to Bajwa, honouring him with the Bharat Ratna is long overdue and would serve as a fitting tribute to one of India's greatest martyrs, whose legacy continues to inspire generations.
Irony in AAP's Stance on Bhagat Singh
The Leader of Opposition highlighted what he called a deep irony in the AAP government's actions. He pointed out that the AAP frequently invokes the ideals of Bhagat Singh and claims to draw inspiration from his ideology, yet when an opportunity arose to formally recommend the highest civilian honour for him, the government failed to act. Bajwa argued that if the AAP truly believed in Bhagat Singh's legacy, it should have taken the lead and passed a resolution in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha to recommend the Bharat Ratna, rather than blocking such a move.
Exposing Rhetoric Versus Action
Bajwa added that blocking the resolution exposes a significant gap between AAP's rhetoric and its actions. He suggested that if the AAP government hesitated to honour Shaheed Bhagat Singh through a formal resolution, it clearly indicates that they invoke his name only for political optics and consider him an ideal in letter, not in spirit. This, he said, undermines the genuine respect and admiration that Bhagat Singh deserves from all political quarters.
Call for Unanimous Support and Correction
In a strong appeal, Bajwa urged the Punjab Government to correct its stand and allow the House to unanimously pass the resolution. He emphasized that this would enable the voice of Punjab, demanding the Bharat Ratna for Shaheed Bhagat Singh, to be formally conveyed to the Government of India. Bajwa's remarks underscore the ongoing political tensions in Punjab, where symbolic gestures and honouring national heroes have become focal points of debate and contention.
