Punjab Government Notifies Scheme After Assembly Opposition
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab has officially notified a scheme that it had earlier opposed in the state Assembly, drawing sharp criticism from the opposition Congress. The Congress accused the ruling party of taking a U-turn on its earlier position, alleging that the government had flip-flopped on a key policy matter.
The notification, issued late on June 27, 2026, formalizes the scheme that was initially debated and rejected by AAP legislators during the Assembly session. According to sources, the scheme pertains to a social welfare initiative, though specific details of the program were not immediately disclosed by the government.
Congress Accuses AAP of U-Turn
The Congress party was quick to pounce on the development, with senior leader and former minister Brahm Mohindra stating, "The AAP government has exposed its double standards. They opposed the scheme in the House to score political points, but now they have quietly notified it. This is a clear U-turn and a betrayal of the people's trust."
The opposition has demanded a clarification from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, questioning why the government changed its stance. Congress workers staged a protest outside the state secretariat on June 28, holding placards accusing the AAP of hypocrisy.
Government Defends Decision
In response, the state government defended the notification, claiming that the scheme was revised after consultations with stakeholders. A government spokesperson said, "The earlier opposition was based on certain flaws in the proposal. After incorporating necessary changes and ensuring that the scheme aligns with the state's welfare objectives, the cabinet approved the notification. There is no U-turn; it is a refined version."
The spokesperson added that the scheme aims to benefit marginalized sections of society and would be implemented with strict oversight. However, the government did not provide a detailed comparison between the version opposed in the Assembly and the one notified.
Political Fallout
The incident has reignited political tensions in the state, with the Congress demanding a debate on the floor of the Assembly. The party has also threatened to approach the Governor if the government fails to provide a satisfactory explanation. Political analysts note that this could become a flashpoint in the ongoing rivalry between the AAP and Congress in Punjab.
As of now, the state government has not announced any timeline for the rollout of the scheme. The opposition has vowed to raise the matter in the upcoming monsoon session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha.
