Wasting Assembly time

THERE is a new government in place in Punjab, steering its first substantial session of the state Assembly. There is also a unique double-barrelled Opposition, albeit small, to confront the government. Unfortunately, there is no improvement in the manner in which the business of the House has been conducted over the years. It is shameful. Issues uppermost on people’s minds don’t get a chance to be brought up because the government does not want any uncomfortable matters to be discussed, while the Opposition seems to believe its achievement lies only in creating a spectacle. All are under the mistaken impression that their electors would be impressed by the display of aggression, when in reality they would be happy only if their lives improve.

The Akali Dal has raised a very valid issue of farm loan waivers, but the demand coming from a party that had been at the helm for 10 years sounds rather hollow. Yet the Akali MLAs ensured the conduct of the House was derailed for two days. The Congress government seems to be on the right path in its approach to assessing the farm debt magnitude and working out its solutions. However, the party is responsible for having brought upon itself the pressure of announcing a complete waiver instantly. If it did not know how to go about delivering on its promise, it should not have made the irresponsible declaration before the elections.

All this, however, made it convenient for the government to avoid discussion on the most crucial subject of Cabinet minister Rana Gurjit Singh’s role in the mining auctions. It is crucial because huge economic worth is involved; besides, the government’s handling of the scandal is going to set the tone for people’s expectations of it over the next five years. The AAP MLAs did well in raising the issue, but may soon lose the freshman advantage if they too choose the path of attention-seeking, of which there are distinct indications. Stay true to your electors, and raise their concerns in the Assembly by utilising the session optimally. For political point-scoring, there will be plenty of opportunities outside the sanctum sanctorum of democracy.