Chandigarh: Leader of the opposition Partap Singh Bajwa on Tuesday criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) govt for what he described as its politics of optics, accusing it of repeatedly passing resolutions in Punjab Vidhan Sabha without translating them into concrete legislative action or meaningful outcomes for the people.Reacting to the confrontation between AAP and Congress MLAs during the Assembly proceedings, Bajwa said the incident reflected an increasingly hostile environment in which the Opposition was being prevented from discharging its constitutional responsibility of holding the govt accountable.Before the Assembly session, Congress MLAs burned brooms, the election symbol of the Aam Aadmi Party, in support of the family of Parminder Singh Jhota, whose family continues to await justice for their murdered son. Bajwa said the protest was a powerful expression of solidarity with a grieving family and a reminder that Punjab’s people are still waiting for justice and accountability. He said the govt must answer for the deteriorating law-and-order situation and ensure that the family receives justice.“If the AAP government was genuinely interested in delivering results rather than creating headlines, it should have introduced Bills on the issues for which it repeatedly brought resolutions. A resolution can make a political statement, but legislation backed by concrete implementation is what brings lasting change. For five years, this government has excelled at optics, announcements and publicity, but where is the real impact?” Bajwa asked.“For the last five years, the Opposition has not been allowed to use the media podium properly to address the press. Today, the situation has reached a point where even the Opposition’s right to speak to journalists is being challenged. It is deeply shameful that the Opposition is not being allowed to speak freely inside the Assembly or outside it,” he said.Access to assembly media podiumReferring to the confrontation over access to the media podium, Bajwa alleged that AAP media adviser Baltej Pannu had sent women MLAs to occupy the podium and prevent Congress leaders from addressing the media.“Instead of engaging with the Opposition on issues of public importance, the AAP leadership has resorted to obstructing our right to communicate with the people. Sending women MLAs to encroach upon the media podium to prevent the Opposition from speaking is shameful and reflects the govt’s intolerance of questions and criticism,” Bajwa said.
About The Author
