The Punjab Legislative Assembly is often described as the “Temple of Democracy,” where every elected representative has an equal right to raise the concerns of the people. The Speaker’s chair is expected to remain above party politics, ensuring fairness, dignity and impartiality. However, over the past four years, serious questions have repeatedly been raised by opposition parties regarding the functioning of Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan.
The opposition has consistently alleged that the Speaker has failed to maintain the neutrality expected from a constitutional authority. Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP legislators have accused the Chair of frequently interrupting opposition members, limiting debates on sensitive issues, rejecting or delaying notices, and allowing treasury benches greater freedom during Assembly proceedings. While the Speaker has maintained that every decision has been taken strictly according to the Rules of Procedure, the allegations have continued to fuel political controversy.
Timeline of Major Developments
2022 – A New Beginning
After the Aam Aadmi Party won a historic mandate, Kultar Singh Sandhwan was elected Speaker of the Punjab Legislative Assembly. Citizens expected that the House would become a model of transparency, accountability and meaningful debate.
2022–2023 – Complaints Begin
Opposition MLAs started alleging that they were not being given sufficient time to raise public issues. Calling attention motions and adjournment notices were frequently rejected or not taken up for detailed discussion, according to opposition leaders.
2024 – Heated Sessions
Several Assembly sittings witnessed repeated confrontations, slogan shouting, marshals being called, and opposition walkouts. Issues such as law and order, drugs, unemployment, financial management and corruption often ended in disruption instead of detailed debate.
2025 – Growing Political Polarisation
The relationship between the treasury benches and the opposition became increasingly confrontational. Opposition leaders repeatedly alleged that important debates were curtailed and that uncomfortable questions directed at the government did not receive adequate discussion.
March 2026 – Privilege Motion Controversy
The referral of a breach of privilege matter involving Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira to the Privileges Committee triggered sharp criticism from the Congress, which alleged unequal treatment compared with complaints filed against the government.
June 2026 – Committee Appointments
The opposition objected after all Assembly committees were chaired by ruling party legislators, arguing that legislative oversight should reflect broader political representation and established parliamentary conventions.
August 2026 – Fresh Confrontation
Ahead of the Monsoon Session, opposition leaders sought sufficient time for discussions on Punjab’s debt, unemployment, law and order, agriculture and drug trafficking. The session again witnessed protests, walkouts and allegations that opposition voices were being suppressed.Opposition leaders have repeatedly raised concerns over the conduct of Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan during heated Assembly proceedings, alleging that opposition MLAs have not always received the respect and opportunity to present their views that the Chair is expected to provide. The controversy also intensified during interactions involving MLA Gurney Kaur, with critics alleging that the manner in which opposition members’ questions and interventions were handled reflected a lack of sensitivity towards elected representatives. Supporters of the Speaker, however, maintain that he has acted according to Assembly rules and has the responsibility to maintain discipline and order inside the House. The larger issue remains whether the Speaker’s chair is being perceived by all members as a neutral institution that protects the voice of both the government and the opposition.
A Constitutional Office Under Public Scrutiny
The Speaker is not merely the presiding officer of the House but the custodian of democratic debate. Every ruling party enjoys a majority, but the opposition represents millions of voters whose concerns deserve equal attention inside the Assembly.Whenever opposition members believe they are being denied the opportunity to speak, the credibility of the House itself comes under question. Democracy cannot flourish if debate is replaced by confrontation or if legislative proceedings become a contest of numbers rather than ideas.
Punjab today faces enormous challenges, including mounting debt, unemployment, the drug menace, deteriorating law and order, farmers’ concerns and industrial decline. The Assembly should be the forum where these issues are debated thoroughly rather than becoming a battleground of repeated disruptions.As Punjab moves toward the 2027 Assembly elections, the role of the Speaker will remain under intense public scrutiny. Regardless of political affiliation, the dignity of the Chair depends upon public confidence that every MLA—government or opposition—receives fair, equal and impartial treatment.A strong democracy is measured not by the strength of the government alone, but by the respect it shows to dissent. The Speaker’s chair must always belong to the Constitution, not to any political party
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