Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): The opening day of the six-day Punjab Vidhan Sabha session lasted barely 10 minutes on Thursday, with Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan adjourning the House until Friday after obituary references were read.
Although non-official business was scheduled to follow the tributes, the Speaker announced the next sitting instead, bringing the day’s proceedings to an early close.
The House paid homage to eight people who lost their lives in a road accident in Sangrur, along with former minister Chuni Lal Bhagat, former MP Varinder Singh Bajwa, former MLA Ranjit Singh, noted doctor Rattan Lal Mittal and the mother of MLA Manjit Singh Bilaspur.
During the proceedings, Congress members sought the inclusion of anti-drug activist Bikramjit Singh of Batala and Gulzar Singh, who died by suicide in Dirba, in the obituary references. Their demand was not accepted.
Drug menace and law and order likely to dominate debate
Despite the brief opening, the session is expected to witness heated exchanges between the Opposition and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government over several contentious issues.
The Congress and other Opposition members are likely to question the government on the drug trade, the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, the state’s law and order situation and allegations of corruption.
The AAP government, in turn, is expected to hold previous administrations responsible for the persistence of drug-related problems. It is also likely to raise concerns over narcotics entering the country through Gujarat’s ports and across the International Border, which is guarded by central forces.
The competing claims could make the coming sittings politically charged as the government and Opposition seek to defend their respective positions on public safety and the drug menace.
Resolution against Chief Election Commissioner expected
The state government is also expected to bring a resolution seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar during the session.
Another announcement concerning financial or other relief for women is also anticipated, although details of the proposed measure were not provided in the session agenda outlined ahead of the proceedings.
Farmers’ concerns and river-water rights on agenda
Agricultural issues are expected to feature prominently in the remaining days of the session. The government is likely to introduce resolutions concerning Punjab’s riparian rights over river waters and demand the repeal of the Dam Safety Act.
These issues carry considerable significance for the state, where river-water allocation and policies affecting dams remain sensitive subjects for farmers and political parties alike.
With several major political and policy questions awaiting discussion, attention will now turn to Friday’s sitting to see whether the Assembly takes up the scheduled business and how the government responds to the Opposition’s expected challenges.
