Punjab budget session faces intense opposition scrutiny

The budget session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha starts on Friday and is expected to be contentious. The opposition, led by the Congress party, plans to challenge the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government over various issues. These include police actions against farmers, the assault on an army colonel, and a perceived breakdown of law and order. On Thursday, Congress leaders protested outside Parliament against the detention of farmer leaders who were protesting. They demanded the immediate release of these activists. The Congress party is also upset with the government for not naming the police officers involved in the recent assault on the army officer and his son. Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa criticized the AAP government for what he calls total misgovernance and an inability to control law and order. He highlighted problems such as the treatment of protesting farmers, drug issues, and unfulfilled promises regarding pensions and development. The ruling AAP government is preparing to respond to these accusations. They argue that the prolonged protests by farmers are negatively impacting Punjab's economy and job creation. Cabinet minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated that these road closures have hindered industrial development in the state. The budget session will begin with the governor's address and will include discussions on the budget estimates for the financial year 2025-26. The finance minister is set to present the budget proposal on March 26, followed by discussions and legislative business leading up to March 28, the last day of the session.