THE NEWS FREEDOM
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 1
Criticising the Congress for disrupting the speech of Punjab Governor Banwari Lal Purohit at the onset of the budget session in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha today, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema condemned the party for demeaning the august House. Accusing the Congress of attempting to stifle the dissemination of the state government’s achievements, Cheema highlighted the importance of transparent proceedings and public awareness through live broadcasts.
As the Governor began his speech, Congress members disrupted the proceedings, demanding a discussion on the farmers’ issue. Led by Partap Bajwa, Congress MLAs raised slogans and emphatically urged that the Governor address the concerns of the farming community. They also demanded the government pay homage to the farmers who lost their lives during the recent protests.
Speaking to media representatives at the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Finance Minister Cheema emphasized the necessity for constructive engagement and scrutiny of Governor Purohit’s speech on March 4, rather than obstructing it. He reiterated the Punjab government’s receptiveness to constructive criticism and input under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership.
Criticizing the Congress for seeking cheap publicity at the expense of parliamentary decorum, Cheema underscored the traditional protocol of commencing budget sessions with the Governor’s address, followed by tributes to notable individuals, including farmer Shubhakaran Singh, who lost his life during the farmers’ agitation at Khanauri. Cheema lamented the Congress’s departure from its erstwhile commitment to democratic discourse, contrasting its past advocacy for extended assembly sessions with its current disruption tactics.
Addressing the farmers’ agitation against the contentious farm laws, Finance Minister Cheema questioned the Congress’s historical stance on the issue, particularly scrutinizing the actions of former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, now aligned with the BJP. Cheema contrasted this with the Aam Aadmi Party’s steadfast support for farmers’ rights during the struggle.
Affirming the Punjab government’s unwavering solidarity with farmers, Cheema reiterated Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s commitment to their welfare, announcing financial assistance and ongoing support for the family of Shubhakaran Singh. He assured that the incident would be thoroughly investigated, with stringent legal action taken against any culpable parties.