Punjab Assembly Special Session: Opposition Free to Raise All Issues
Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO confirms the Punjab Assembly special session will begin soon, amid heat over drug menace and the Jhota murder case.
The Punjab government has announced that the Punjab Assembly special session will commence shortly, with Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO confirming that the floor will be open for the Opposition to bring up any pressing matters. The session comes at a time of heightened political tension, as the ruling administration faces significant scrutiny over law and order and public health crises.
Open Floor for Debate
Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO emphasized that the democratic process would be upheld during the proceedings. He stated that all Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) possess the right to voice their concerns. Apart from the Opposition's grievances, the House is expected to delve into:
- Legislative discussions and policy matters.
- Constituency-related queries during the Question Hour.
- Calling Attention Motions.
- Urgent matters raised during Zero Hour.
Heat Over the Jhota Murder Case
The special session arrives amidst a storm of criticism directed at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, particularly regarding the high-profile Jhota murder case. Following the transfer of the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), calls have intensified for further central intervention.
In a recent appeal, Shah urged Chief Minister Mann to hand over the remaining two related cases to the CBI, arguing that the state government might lack the capacity to handle them effectively. This demand is reportedly echoed by the family members of the victims, who are seeking a central probe for a fair investigation.
The Battle Over the Drug Menace
Beyond criminal investigations, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government is under fire for its perceived failure to eradicate the drug epidemic in Punjab. Critics, including Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, have pointed out a pattern of shifting deadlines.
Broken Promises and Shifting Deadlines
According to Nayab Singh Saini, the AAP had promised to eliminate the drug menace within three to six months before ascending to power. However, he noted that the goalposts have been moved repeatedly, with deadlines shifting from August 15, 2024, to December 31, 2024, and most recently to March 1, 2025.
Saini further alleged that the state government has focused more on optics than outcomes, claiming that public welfare funds were diverted toward expensive advertisements and posters to publicize anti-drug campaigns rather than implementing tangible changes on the ground.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Responds
Facing these allegations, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has doubled down on his administration's resolve. He reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to a drug-free Punjab, asserting that the fight against drug peddlers is "decisive."
"Whatever strict steps are required to make Punjab drug-free, we will not back down," Mann stated, promising that rigorous measures would continue to be taken against those trafficking narcotics in the state.