Chandigarh, August 5: Senior Punjab Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, Pratap Singh Bajwa, has launched a verbal attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. He criticized the alleged misconduct towards the opposition, the deteriorating law and order situation in the state, and accusations made against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann by the Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib.
Bajwa stated that in his long political career, he has never witnessed such behavior. This marks his sixth term in the Assembly, making him one of the senior-most members. He lamented that the treatment of the opposition represents a regrettable chapter in Punjab’s democratic history. He emphasized that protesting with placards is a democratic right of every opposition party and member.
He asserted that it is the opposition’s duty to raise public issues in the Assembly. Bajwa alleged that the law and order situation in Punjab is continuously worsening. He pointed out that people’s lives and property are not safe, businesses are suffering, police operations are being questioned, and the availability of illegal weapons in villages has become a major concern. He questioned who would voice the public’s concerns if the opposition does not.
The AAP had promised a politics of change before coming to power. They claimed to call more Assembly sessions, provide opportunities for open dialogue, and ensure transparent governance. However, the reality appears to be quite the opposite.
Bajwa accused the Assembly’s entrance staff of preventing opposition legislators from entering and physically pushing them. He recounted an incident where he was shoved, causing his shoulder to hit the wall. He warned that a more serious injury could have led to a significant incident. He described this behavior as contrary to democratic traditions, stating that if such treatment continues under the Speaker’s directives, it would be extremely unfortunate for Punjab’s democratic framework. Complaints have been filed with the Speaker, but they are often dismissed with vague responses.
Additionally, Bajwa referenced recent statements by the Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib regarding Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The Jathedar cited some of the Chief Minister’s alleged past actions, labeling him as a “Guru Dosi” and anti-Panthic. He also advised against any social or personal contact with the Chief Minister. Bajwa noted that a female legislator from the Shiromani Akali Dal raised similar concerns, accusing the Chief Minister of not honoring his commitments made before Akal Takht Sahib. If the Chief Minister has indeed failed to uphold his promises, the Jathedar and the Secretariat of Akal Takht Sahib should consider appropriate religious actions.
Bajwa concluded by stating that instead of suppressing the opposition’s voice, the government should address public-related issues. He accused the current administration of neglecting democratic values and failing to fulfill its promises to the public.
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