Punjab Budget Session Descends into Chaos with Congress Walkout
The budget session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha commenced on a tumultuous note in Chandigarh on Friday, as Congress MLAs staged a dramatic walkout just minutes into Governor Gulab Chand Kataria's address. The session was marred by persistent sloganeering and heated exchanges, highlighting deep political divisions over the state's law and order situation.
Congress Protests Disrupt Governor's Address
As Governor Kataria began his speech, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa immediately rose to interrupt, condemning what he described as a "deteriorating" law and order scenario under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. Despite the governor's assurance that opposition members would have ample opportunity to raise concerns later, Congress legislators remained on their feet, vocally protesting.
The disruption intensified when the governor highlighted health sector achievements, including the expansion of Aam Aadmi Clinics and increased medical staffing. Congress MLAs stormed the well of the House, chanting slogans against the AAP administration. The commotion continued unabated even as Kataria discussed dialysis facility expansions and the universal health insurance scheme.
Merely 17 minutes after the session opened, the entire Congress contingent staged a walkout, leaving the House in disarray. In an unusual parallel development, Finance Minister Harpal Cheema and AAP State President Aman Arora exited during the governor's address to hold an impromptu media briefing, where they launched a counter-offensive against the Congress.
Governor Proposes 'Vande Mataram' Inclusion
Following the conclusion of his address—which he ended with "Jai Hind"—the national anthem was played. At this moment, Governor Kataria turned to Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan with a significant suggestion: that 'Vande Mataram' should be incorporated into future legislative sittings, either at the beginning or end.
"The Centre has updated protocols so 'Vande Mataram' is played at the start and the national anthem at the conclusion of sittings," Kataria explained to media afterward. "That is why I urged the Speaker. 'Vande Mataram' is now being played in every state as it reflects the primary motto of our freedom fighters."
Law and Order Concerns Take Center Stage
Speaking to reporters outside the assembly, LoP Partap Singh Bajwa pointed to a recent dacoity in Gurdaspur as emblematic of the state's security failures. Armed criminals had held a jeweler's family hostage in a posh locality barely 200 yards from the Senior Superintendent of Police's residence, making off with substantial cash and gold.
"This government has completely failed on law and order," Bajwa asserted. He also criticized Cheema and Arora for leaving during the governor's address, alleging they sought to deny the Congress a platform for rebuttal. In a social media post, Bajwa declared, "It is a bundle of lies... This is a failed government, and this is the last budget they will ever present to Punjab."
Governor Advocates for Parliamentary Decorum
Reflecting on the disruptions, Governor Kataria emphasized the importance of using legislative floors properly for criticism. "I tried to ensure every member listened to my speech," he stated. "For any criticism, they could have used the floor of the House. It is their loss if they do not use the floor to get their points recorded."
He expressed concern over growing disruptions nationwide, noting, "This strange practice is not good for democracy. I was a legislator for around 40 years and always told my party that we should listen and then bring our criticism on record."
AAP Government Defends Its Record
When questioned about the AAP administration's performance, Governor Kataria acknowledged positive feedback on certain initiatives. He highlighted the anti-drug campaign launched in March, citing over 31,000 FIRs and 41,000 arrests related to drug trade—figures he claimed were unprecedented in any state.
"The state government is doing its work, and I have tried to involve the public to get rid of the menace," Kataria remarked, adding that Punjab has also made strides in education. The session's initial decorum—marked by the national anthem and ceremonial escort of the governor by Speaker Sandhwan and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann—proved fleeting amid the political storm.
