The recent Punjab Assembly session, held in July 2025, was a mixed bag—marked by significant policy announcements on one hand and deep procedural flaws on the other. While the state government attempted to project a strong front on crucial issues like drug abuse, education, and state autonomy, the legislative conduct and seriousness of debate raised valid concerns among observers and the opposition alike.One of the major merits of the session was the government’s renewed offensive against drug trafficking. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema showcased the achievements under the anti-drug campaign “Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh.” They reported over 21,000 arrests, recovery of crores worth of narcotics, and promised further action through a state-wide drug user census. This proactive approach was seen as a necessary move in a state battling rampant drug addiction among youth. In tandem, the government announced increased security funding and plans to deploy over 5,000 home guards and anti-drone systems in border areas—steps that were widely welcomed for addressing both internal law and order and cross-border threats.
Another positive development was the legislative approval of two private university bills—CGC Jhanjeri and Rayat Bahra Hoshiarpur. These bills aim to expand higher education access in Punjab, especially in rural regions. Moreover, the amendment allowing bullock cart races to resume—with safeguards such as veterinary care—was hailed as a revival of Punjab’s traditional sports and culture. Public health also received attention, with the announcement of the “STOP Diarrhoea Campaign” to protect young children during the monsoon season, a much-needed move in the wake of repeated seasonal illnesses across the state.The Assembly also passed a resolution opposing the Centre’s deployment of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) power plants in Punjab. This move was seen as an assertion of Punjab’s right to manage its own security affairs and sparked renewed dialogue about federalism and state autonomy, especially in the context of longstanding disputes over water and power-sharing.
However, these merits were undermined by serious demerits in the functioning and decorum of the Assembly. The most glaring criticism came after the first day’s sitting lasted only 11 minutes, despite the heavy cost of organizing the session. Opposition leader Partap Singh Bajwa slammed this as a “mockery of democracy,” citing that the session cost the exchequer nearly ₹1 crore but delivered little in terms of meaningful debate. This brief and seemingly rushed conduct raised questions about the government’s sincerity and commitment to legislative deliberation.Furthermore, the debate on the drug menace turned highly personal and combative. Heated exchanges between Finance Minister Harpal Cheema and Leader of Opposition Bajwa derailed the discussion, with both accusing each other of inaction and shielding criminals. This descent into political theatrics disrupted proceedings and diverted attention from policy-oriented dialogue. Such behavior is increasingly becoming a norm in Punjab’s legislative culture, drawing criticism from civil society and media alike.
The opposition also expressed disappointment over the government’s delay in bringing forward the anti-sacrilege law and other pressing matters, including cases of law-and-order breakdown and alleged fake encounters. These concerns remained largely unaddressed during the session, further fueling the sentiment that the Assembly was being reduced to a rubber-stamp body rather than a forum for democratic debate.In conclusion, while the session did deliver some notable legislative and policy wins—particularly on drug enforcement, education, public health, and cultural preservation—the broader democratic process left much to be desired. The government’s efforts on ground-level reforms need to be matched with transparency, accountability, and seriousness in the Assembly. Without a robust legislative platform where all voices are heard and debated, even the best of intentions risk losing their credibility.
One of the darkest and most disturbing aspects of the recent Punjab Assembly session was the level of decorum—or lack thereof—displayed on the floor of the House. For the first time in the legislative history of Punjab, the public witnessed scenes where sitting ministers and elected members used foul language and hurled abuses at one another inside the Assembly itself. What should have been a sacred space for civilized discourse and democratic debate descended into chaos and personal attacks. The situation became especially tense during the discussion on the drug issue, where personal allegations, references to old FIRs, and provocative statements flew freely across party lines. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa were at the center of the heated exchanges, with others joining the fray, turning what should have been a policy debate into a spectacle of hostility. The atmosphere was so toxic at one point that the Speaker had to intervene multiple times to restore order, but to little avail. This incident not only embarrassed the institution of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha but also sent a damaging message to the public about the quality of leadership and the erosion of basic legislative etiquette. Instead of focusing on the grave concerns of the people—like drugs, unemployment, agrarian distress, and law and order—the House was marred by shouting matches and an unprofessional display that reflected poorly on all involved. Several veteran political observers and media commentators expressed deep disappointment, calling it a new low in Punjab’s democratic history and warning that such behavior threatens to alienate the public from participatory politics altogether.