Punjab leader of opposition Partap Singh Bajwa slams AAP govt for bypassing parliamentary conventions
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Chandigarh:
Partap Singh Bajwa
, leader of opposition in the Punjab vidhan sabha, criticised the AAP govt for bypassing established parliamentary conventions by denying the chairmanship of the
public accounts committee
(PAC) to the opposition.
In a letter addressed to the speaker of the Punjab assembly, Bajwa expressed "deep concern and anguish", asserting that the appointment of an opposition member as PAC chair is not a courtesy but a democratic imperative. He stressed that this convention, upheld since the 1960s across party lines, is vital to maintaining legislative oversight, ensuring transparency, and safeguarding the proper use of public funds.
"This move by the AAP govt reflects a deliberate attempt to shield itself from scrutiny and evade accountability. The PAC is not a partisan committee—it is a cornerstone of responsible governance," Bajwa stated.
He further cautioned that the govt's decision raises serious questions about the impartiality of democratic institutions in Punjab and signals a worrying erosion of institutional autonomy. "By denying the opposition its rightful role, the govt is setting a dangerous precedent and undermining public trust in the legislative process," he added.
Bajwa pointed out that during the previous Congress-led regime, the convention of appointing an opposition member as PAC chair was honoured, even while the party held power. He urged the speaker to uphold the dignity of the House and act beyond partisan interests.
Reaffirming his commitment to
democratic principles
, Bajwa vowed to continue defending institutional integrity and ensuring that the voices of the people of Punjab are not silenced through procedural manipulation.
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