Punjab House passes resolution opposing Centre’s BSF order

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 11

The Punjab Vidhan Sabha today unanimously passed a resolution opposing the Centre’s notification on BSF’s jurisdiction, calling it an “insult” to the Punjab Police and seeking its withdrawal. The session saw five walkouts and heated exchanges between CM Charanjit Singh Channi and Akali MLAs over a remark on the Centre’s three farm laws. The House was adjourned four times as Akali MLAs demanded an apology and the CM refused to oblige. The remark was later expunged by Speaker Rana KP Singh.

AAP legislator calls CM ‘real aam aadmi’

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In a dramatic turn of events, AAP MLA (Raikot) Jagtar Singh Jagga Hissowal stood up in support of CM Channi, calling him a “real aam aadmi”. Another AAP legislator, Jagdev Singh Kamalu, heaped praise on Transport Minister Amrinder Singh Raja Warring for cracking the whip on the transport mafia.

The House passed a resolution against the Centre’s farm laws, saying these would not be implemented in Punjab. While the Contract Farming Act was repealed, the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee Act was amended. It was decided that the terms and conditions should be renegotiated with power providers.

Even as Deputy CM and Home Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa moved the resolution opposing the extension of BSF’s jurisdiction to 50 km, the Opposition attacked the CM, accusing him of “complicity”. Akali leader Bikram Majithia cited tweets by Congress MP Manish Tewari backing the notification and by former PPCC chief Sunil Jakhar questioning the CM over the outcome of his meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

SAD (Sanyukt) leader PS Dhindsa and Leader of the Opposition Harpal Cheema pointed out that the BSF notification had come after the CM’s meeting with Shah.