Punjab Government Faces Criticism Over Delayed Assembly Session Following Activist Deaths
Ashwani Sharma criticizes the Punjab government for evading accountability after the deaths of anti-drug activists.
Chandigarh, October 22 (Daily Kiran) : The former president of the Punjab BJP and Pathankot MLA, Ashwani Sharma, has raised concerns regarding the Punjab government’s actions during a special assembly session. He questioned why the session was adjourned just minutes after it began on Thursday under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s leadership.
Sharma accused the government of attempting to evade scrutiny from the opposition and the public. He pointed to the recent deaths of anti-drug activists—Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa, Gulzar Singh in Sangrur, and Bikramjeet Singh in Batala—as events that have shaken the government.
According to Sharma, the administration is avoiding engagement with the public and deflecting questions posed by the opposition inside the assembly. He described the adjournment of the special session as yet another attempt to evade accountability on critical issues affecting citizens.
Sharma also criticized the manner in which the assembly proceedings were suspended, noting that the agenda for the day had already been established. He highlighted that as soon as the Speaker entered the house, a tribute was paid before the session was adjourned for the entire day.
Expressing concerns over law and order in Punjab, Sharma claimed that a climate of fear has enveloped the state, leaving citizens feeling unsafe. He alleged that instead of prioritizing public safety, the police are more focused on securing their own stations.
Sharma also took issue with the government’s approach to the demands of state employees. He noted that despite several meetings, employees have not received their full dearness allowance (DA), and their requests for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) remain unaddressed.
Accusing the government of deceiving its employees, Sharma stated that the BJP stands firmly with them in their legitimate demands and will provide all possible support in their struggle. He urged the state government to stop avoiding discussions on public interest issues and to bring the truth to light regarding the deaths of the three anti-drug activists. Sharma called on the government to fulfill its responsibilities to the people of Punjab and resolve the pending grievances of state employees.
