Controversy Erupts as Punjab Government Plans “Illegal” Assembly Session

Controversy Erupts as Punjab Government Plans "Illegal" Assembly Session

VoM News Desk | October 13, 2023 | 11:11 PM IST | Punjab | Follow on Google News

Controversy Erupts as Punjab Government Plans “Illegal” Assembly Session

Controversy Erupts as Punjab Government Plans “Illegal” Assembly Session

The stage is set for another showdown in Punjab as the Governor’s Secretariat has declared the upcoming two-day assembly session, called by the Bhagwant Mann government, as “bound to be illegal.” The Vidhan Sabha Secretariat, however, remains undeterred and has released the session’s schedule despite the Governor’s objections, marking the second such clash this year.

History of Conflict

This clash mirrors a previous dispute over a special sitting of the budget session in June, which the governor deemed “patently illegal.” The October 20-21 session, initially projected as an extension of the fourth budget session, is likely to address the recent Supreme Court directive concerning the Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal in Punjab. This contentious project, which the state is reluctant to complete, lies at the heart of the upcoming session.

Session Schedule and Legal Objections

The tentative session schedule, released by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Secretariat, includes obituary references and legislative business. However, the Governor’s Secretariat firmly opposes this session, citing constitutional and procedural concerns. They argue that calling a “special session of the fourth budget session” suggests an attempt to extend the budget session, rendering it illegal. Any business conducted during such a session, they claim, is unlawful and has no legal effect.

Governor’s Position

Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit stated that he was not consulted about the assembly session, despite officials asserting that no governor’s approval was required due to the fourth session not being prorogued. The Mann-led Punjab government has had numerous disputes with the Raj Bhavan, adding to the already volatile situation.

SYL Controversy

The controversy extends to the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal issue, with opposition parties accusing the AAP government of weakening Punjab’s position in the Supreme Court. The government’s stance that it is “ready to build the canal” while facing opposition has raised concerns and criticisms. The Supreme Court, on October 4, ordered a land survey for the SYL Canal construction, further fueling the ongoing legal and political battle.

VoM News Desk

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