On the final day of the Punjab Legislative Assembly’s budget session held on Monday, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) adopted an aggressive stance against its political opponents while raising key national and state issues.
AAP MLAs and ministers staged protests both inside and outside the Assembly against the BJP-led central government over the ongoing gas cylinder shortage in the country. The leaders highlighted that the shortage was worsened due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, affecting supply chains. They entered the Assembly wearing protest attire and raised slogans against the central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
During the session, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema introduced a proposal demanding the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, for Dalit leader Kanshi Ram. The proposal received support from Congress leaders, including Pratap Singh Bajwa and Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa.
However, tensions escalated when a condemnation motion was introduced against Congress leader Pratap Singh Bajwa over his controversial “band-baaja” remark. The motion was presented by AAP MLA Manjit Singh Bilaspur. Congress MLAs, including Bajwa, opposed the motion, raised slogans against the Deputy Speaker, and staged a walkout from the Assembly. The motion was later passed unanimously in their absence, after which the House was adjourned.
Pratap Singh Bajwa stated that the decision to support Kanshi Ram’s Bharat Ratna proposal was inspired by Rahul Gandhi. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Cheema also announced that a school in Kanshi Ram’s native village in Ropar would be named after him and upgraded with a budget of ₹2 crore.
In another development, Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar raised concerns over the tragic deaths of children in Tarn Taran allegedly linked to contaminated momos, demanding strict action against those responsible.
Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal announced that Punjab’s first water museum will be established at the historic Ropar Headworks, originally built in 1881. The museum will showcase irrigation models, historical agreements, and include a video gallery. The project is expected to begin in April and be completed by September 30.
Earlier during the protests, MLA Manwinder Singh Giaspura highlighted public difficulties in booking gas cylinders, stating that calls to gas agencies often go unanswered. Food Supply Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak acknowledged the issue, noting that people are forced to stand in long queues for gas cylinders, especially in areas like Mohali.
