Punjab Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa has criticised the state’s Aam Aadmi Party government for failing to introduce a resolution in the Assembly to posthumously confer the Bharat Ratna on former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. citeturn0search2
Bajwa, who serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, expressed his disappointment during the session, highlighting that Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan had previously assured him that such a resolution would be tabled. However, this commitment was not fulfilled, leading Bajwa to question the AAP government’s dedication to honouring Singh’s legacy.
In response, Cabinet Minister Aman Arora suggested that Bajwa should first seek an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for allegedly disrespecting Manmohan Singh during his tenure as Prime Minister. Arora stated, “Entire Punjab respects Dr Manmohan Singh since he was a Punjabi and a Sardar. But I would like to remind Bajwa sahib that when Manmohan Singh was PM, Rahul Gandhi tore off legislations passed by the cabinet that he headed.” citeturn0search4
Bajwa dismissed Arora’s remarks as unfortunate, accusing the AAP government of prioritising political considerations over paying tribute to a distinguished son of Punjab. He emphasised Singh’s significant contributions to India’s development and economic stability during his tenure from 2004 to 2014.
The debate intensified when Bajwa claimed that over 32 AAP legislators were in contact with the Congress, expressing dissatisfaction with the current leadership and considering a shift in allegiance. He stated, “This government has already fallen in the eyes of the people of Punjab by constantly lying.” citeturn0search3
In retaliation, AAP leaders accused Bajwa of planning to defect to the Bharatiya Janata Party . Party leader Neel Garg alleged that Bajwa had met with senior BJP figures, while state unit president Aman Arora commented, “He has been saying the same thing for the past three years… His brother is in BJP.” citeturn0search2
The session also witnessed a unanimous resolution condemning the newly elected Delhi BJP government’s decision to remove portraits of Bhim Rao Ambedkar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh from ministerial offices. This resolution, moved by Minister Aman Arora and supported by Bajwa, underscored the assembly’s collective disapproval of actions perceived as disrespectful to iconic figures. citeturn0search5
Tamil Nadu’s Language Debate Fuels National Divide 