CHANDIGARH: Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, S. Partap Singh Bajwa, has expressed grave concern and anguish over the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s decision to bypass established parliamentary convention by denying the Chairmanship of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to the Opposition.
In a letter addressed to the Hon’ble Speaker of the Punjab Legislative Assembly, Shri Bajwa emphasized that appointing a member of the Opposition as the PAC Chair is not a courtesy, but a democratic necessity. This long-standing tradition, respected across parties and governments since the 1960s, ensures legislative oversight, transparency, and the proper use of public funds.
“This move by the AAP government reflects a deliberate attempt to shield itself from scrutiny and avoid accountability. The PAC is not a partisan body—it is a cornerstone of responsible governance, ” Bajwa said.
He further warned that such a step raises serious questions about the neutrality of democratic institutions in Punjab and reflects an alarming erosion of institutional independence. “By denying the Opposition its rightful role, the government is setting a dangerous precedent, undermining public trust in the legislative process, ” he added.
Bajwa also highlighted that during the Congress regime, this convention was upheld even when the party was in power. He urged the Speaker to rise above political interests and uphold the sanctity of the House.
Bajwa reaffirmed his commitment to defending democratic values and ensuring that the voices of the people of Punjab are not silenced through procedural manipulation.