Punjab Assembly Descends into Chaos as Congress Legislators Stage Walkout
The Punjab Vidhan Sabha witnessed a dramatic confrontation on Monday as Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa engaged in a sharp exchange of accusations, culminating in Congress legislators walking out of the assembly. The walkout was staged by the opposition, led by Bajwa, who demanded more speaking time during the discussion on the governor's address.
Congress Leader Launches Scathing Attack on AAP Government
Speaking in the House, Partap Singh Bajwa launched a comprehensive critique of the Aam Aadmi Party-led government, focusing primarily on the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab. The Congress MLA from Qadian alleged widespread insecurity among citizens, stating that "no one's life or business is safe in Punjab" and claiming that "every third person in the state is getting extortion calls or letters."
Bajwa highlighted several incidents to substantiate his claims:
- He cited a recent loot incident that occurred "merely 200 metres away from Gurdaspur SSP residence" as evidence of deteriorating security even in broad daylight.
- The opposition leader referenced the murders of three sarpanches during marriage functions, sarcastically remarking that "those who cannot safeguard their own sarpanches are out giving guarantees."
- Bajwa mentioned allegations by an Amritsar police head constable who reportedly blamed drugs for his son's death, with the constable claiming drugs were available like "Zomato delivery" in the state.
Unfulfilled Promises and Financial Allegations
The Congress leader also questioned the AAP government's implementation of pre-poll guarantees, particularly focusing on:
- The promised Rs 1,000 per month to women in Punjab, with Bajwa calculating that the government owed every woman approximately Rs 60,000 in arrears over five years.
- The establishment of 16 medical colleges that remain unfulfilled according to the opposition.
- The old pension scheme notification issued three years ago that Bajwa claimed had seen no progress beyond the initial announcement.
Bajwa accused the government of ignoring 7.5 lakh government employees who "played a key role in formation of AAP government" but were still awaiting their 16% Dearness Allowance. He directly questioned Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema about whether these employees should maintain any hope.
Sacrilege Cases and Revenue Promises Under Scrutiny
The opposition leader raised serious concerns about the Bargari and Behbal Kalan cases, alleging that even after four years of AAP governance, the perpetrators of Guru Granth Sahib sacrilege had not been brought to justice. Bajwa also criticized Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's promise of generating Rs 54,000 crore in additional annual revenue through anti-corruption measures and mining reforms, suggesting these funds were meant for infrastructure projects like AIIMS and medical colleges that remained unrealized.
Chief Minister's Counterattack and Parliamentary Decorum
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann responded forcefully to Bajwa's allegations, accusing the opposition leader of making "senseless" remarks. When Bajwa criticized the old pension scheme notification as mere political posturing, Mann retorted: "Did you implement it?" to which Bajwa claimed the Congress had, though without providing specifics about its status.
The tension escalated when Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan informed the House about an Australian delegation observing the proceedings. Bajwa remarked that there was "nothing to offer for hospitality to the delegation," prompting a strong objection from CM Mann who stated: "They will take along your memories as to how opposition behaves. We are the host and Punjabis are known for their hospitality, and you are saying we have nothing to offer. This is a state ruined by the Congress and we are trying to make it successful."
Congress Walkout and Government Response
Following these exchanges, Speaker Sandhwan informed Bajwa that his time had concluded and asked Cabinet Minister Aman Arora to speak. Arora took exception to the Congress walkout, calling it the "height of shamelessness" and referencing a previous walkout on March 6 when Congress MLAs left without hearing the governor's address.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema offered the government's perspective on the walkout, stating: "The walkout by them clearly demonstrated an inability to face the undeniable progress and developmental milestones achieved by the AAP government."
Earlier in his address, Bajwa had emphasized that while Congress legislators disagreed with most aspects of the budget presented by Finance Minister Cheema, they had listened "in pin-drop silence" as responsible opposition, requesting similar respect from ruling party members.
The proceedings highlighted deepening political divisions in Punjab's legislative assembly, with fundamental disagreements over governance, security, and policy implementation taking center stage in one of the most contentious sessions in recent memory.
