Punjab opposition labels governor’s address as dishonest

In a recent session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, opposition leader Partap Singh Bajwa criticized the governor's address, calling it a "bundle of lies." He claimed the statements made were not true and did not reflect reality. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema concluded the debate in the absence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Cheema defended the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's achievements, saying it has delivered on a key election promise to provide free electricity to 90% of Punjab's domestic users. He also attacked the Congress party for walking out of the session, suggesting they couldn't face the government's success in clearing past subsidy debts. Bajwa responded by accusing the AAP government of mistreating farmers. He mentioned recent events where protesting farmers were forcibly evicted and their belongings taken. This criticism sparked a heated debate in the assembly as Bajwa claimed that farmers have suffered significant losses during paddy procurement. Cheema argued that Punjab's previous governments left the state in massive debt, while noting improvements in health and education under the current administration. He emphasized that the AAP government's initiatives have helped attract significant investments to the state. As tensions rose in the assembly, Cheema also highlighted measures taken against drug-related crimes, stating that the government has acted decisively against drug offenders. This caused further uproar as Bajwa dismissed these actions as mere window dressing. The back-and-forth between the AAP and the opposition shows the ongoing political challenges in Punjab.