Senior Congress leader and MLA from Jalandhar Cantt, Pargat Singh, has made a strong appeal for a comprehensive winter session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly. This call comes in response to the state government's plan to hold only a brief special session to discuss the Centre's controversial decision to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with a new scheme.
Token Session Inadequate for Grave Challenges: MLA
In a statement released on Saturday, Pargat Singh argued that a single-day assembly session is insufficient to address the multitude of severe challenges currently facing Punjab. He emphasized that the state is grappling with a complex web of economic, administrative, and law and order crises that demand thorough legislative scrutiny and debate.
The Congress legislator expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation in Punjab, stating that the state is "sliding rapidly towards anarchy." He placed the blame squarely on the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, accusing it of a complete failure in ensuring public safety and peace. Singh issued a stark warning, suggesting that this governance vacuum is pushing Punjab dangerously close to the imposition of President's Rule.
Central Assault on Rights and State Autonomy
Pargat Singh launched a sharp critique against the Narendra Modi-led central government's move to dismantle the rights-based MGNREGA. He characterized this decision as a direct assault on the fundamental rights of the poor, Dalits, women, tribals, and backward classes who rely on the scheme for livelihood and dignity.
He explained the financial burden shift, noting, "By increasing the state's financial share from 10% to 40%, the Centre has crushed the very foundation of a demand-driven employment entitlement." This, he argued, effectively undermines a crucial social safety net for millions.
Furthermore, Singh raised alarms about the Centre's perceived hostility towards Punjab's interests. He claimed that the central government, which was initially preparing five resolutions against the state, has now escalated the number to seven. According to him, each of these resolutions poses a direct threat to Punjab's autonomy and its core interests.
Call for Legislative Assertiveness
Directing his appeal to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Pargat Singh urged the state leadership not to allow Punjab's legislative rights to be diminished to mere token formalities. He insisted on immediate action to announce a full-fledged winter session.
"The chief minister must immediately announce a full winter Session to comprehensively debate these threats before the entire assembly," Singh asserted. He believes that only a proper session can provide the platform needed to hold the government accountable and formulate a robust response to the challenges posed by both internal governance failures and external policy shifts from the Centre.
The demand underscores the growing political tension in Punjab, with the opposition Congress seeking to corner the AAP government on issues of law and order and federal overreach, while also defending the welfare architecture for the state's most vulnerable populations.
