Chandigarh (National Times): The Punjab Vidhan Sabha is set to witness high political drama as a two-day special session kicks off today. With both the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the opposition Congress bracing for heated debates, the session is expected to be charged with confrontation over critical state issues.
Congress Gears Up to Corner Govt on Law & Order, Land Pooling
Led by Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, the Congress party has conducted a legislative party meeting ahead of the session, devising a strong strategy to take on the Bhagwant Mann-led government.
The opposition has raised serious concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation, particularly in the wake of recent incidents involving gang violence, custodial deaths, and public safety concerns. The land pooling policy, which has drawn criticism from farmers and landowners, is also set to be one of the flashpoints in the House.
Sources in the Congress said the party will also question the government over its handling of unemployment, drug trafficking, and recent controversies in the police department.
AAP Ready to Defend, Strike Back on Drug Menace, Governance
The ruling Aam Aadmi Party, meanwhile, is fully prepared to respond aggressively to the opposition’s barbs. Sources say the Mann government will highlight its ongoing crackdown on drug networks, recent recruitment drives, and efforts to improve public service delivery.
A significant focus of the session will be on a new anti-sacrilege bill that the government is set to introduce. The proposed legislation reportedly includes stricter punishments for sacrilege-related offences, a long-standing demand among various religious and political groups in the state.
First Day to Begin with Tributes, Followed by Legislative Business
As per protocol, the session will begin with tributes to departed personalities, followed by non-official and legislative business. However, political observers anticipate that once proceedings move to core issues, the tone of the debate is likely to intensify.
What’s Expected
- Debates on law and order, land pooling, and drugs
- Tabling of new anti-sacrilege bill
- Political face-off between AAP and Congress
- Protests likely within the Assembly by opposition members
With assembly elections still a few years away, this session is being seen as a key indicator of how the political winds are shifting in Punjab. Both AAP and Congress are likely to use the opportunity to galvanize their support bases and shape public discourse on governance and accountability.
Stay tuned for updates from inside the Assembly as the special session unfolds.
