Punjab Assembly Erupts Over Seechewal Remarks, Bajwa Censured Amid Congress Walkouts
The Punjab Assembly witnessed high drama on Thursday as a two-hour-long heated debate over the Seechewal issue culminated in the House passing a resolution censuring Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa for his remarks against environmentalist and Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal.
The resolution drew support from Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MLA Manpreet Ayali and suspended Congress MLA Sandeep Jakhar, signaling cross-party backing for the condemnation.
Tensions flared earlier during Zero Hour when Congress MLAs staged a walkout, accusing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government of stifling their attempt to introduce a resolution demanding Bharat Ratna for freedom fighter Shaheed Bhagat Singh. Chaos erupted when Bajwa took the floor to speak on Bhagat Singh, prompting sharp retaliation from Treasury Bench members, including Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains and MLA Inderjit Kaur Mann. They lambasted Bajwa for his alleged derogatory remarks against Seechewal made during Wednesday's session.
Calling the backlash a coordinated attempt to silence him, Bajwa claimed the Treasury Benches were deliberately targeting him. A fierce war of words ensued between Congress MLAs and AAP members, escalating the conflict.
Minister Bains stated that Bajwa's comments had deeply hurt the sentiments of Punjabis. MLA Inderjit Kaur demanded Bajwa’s expulsion from the House, while Minister Aman Arora also criticized Bajwa’s remarks. Amid the uproar, the Speaker adjourned the House for 15 minutes.
Upon resumption, Congress MLAs again staged a walkout, protesting what they described as continued targeting over the Seechewal controversy. Bajwa was notably absent during this second walkout.
Proceedings were once more adjourned for 15 minutes as tempers flared. Congress members accused the Treasury Benches of using the Seechewal controversy as a distraction to sideline crucial discussions, including the party’s resolution seeking Bharat Ratna for Shaheed Bhagat Singh and debate on the 2025-26 Budget.
The session highlighted the deepening rift between the ruling AAP and the Congress opposition, with emotional appeals, walkouts, and adjournments dominating a day meant for legislative business.
Leave A Comment