Chandigarh, Jul 12 (PTI) Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa on Saturday wrote to Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, reiterating his demand for a dedicated discussion on the issues of “deteriorating” law and order and the land pooling scheme in the ongoing special session.
The duration of the special session has been extended till July 15.
The two-day session began earlier on July 10.
Bajwa in his letter reminded the speaker that the extension of the session followed a verbal assurance to the Congress that one day each would be allocated to deliberate on the “deteriorating” law and order situation in Punjab and the land pooling policy.
While the extension was approved, Bajwa stated that it has not yet been honoured, as these matters are still not listed in the official agenda.
He expressed concern that the anti-sacrilege law, which was originally the focal point for convening the special session, remains pending as the draft is not prepared yet.
“This is a matter of immense constitutional and emotional significance for the people of Punjab. The AAP government must offer clarity on it,” Bajwa emphasized.
Highlighting the risk of symbolism overtaking substance, Bajwa said unless the law and order “crisis” and the land pooling policy are explicitly mentioned in the list of business, the additional sittings would be reduced to an exercise in “optics”.
He stressed the need for meaningful, transparent and accountable debate.
Bajwa urged the speaker to ensure that both these issues find their rightful place in the business agenda in order to uphold the credibility and seriousness of the Punjab Assembly’s proceedings.
He said that failing to do so would undermine the very purpose for which the extension was sought and granted.
“I request the speaker to act in the interest of Punjab and ensure that these pressing issues are not side-lined,” said Bajwa. PTI CHS AS AS
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