Chandigarh: The Punjab Legislative Assembly opened its special session today with solemn tributes to several prominent personalities, including late comedian Jaswinder Bhalla, music composer Charanjit Ahuja, and former minister Harpal Tohra. The initial proceedings were brief, with the House adjourning until 12 noon following the condolence messages.
This special session, scheduled to run until September 29, has been convened to discuss the extensive damage caused by the recent floods that devastated 23 districts across Punjab. The government and opposition are expected to engage in a tense debate over the post-flood rehabilitation strategy, as well as the state’s broader disaster response and law-and-order situation.
Tributes Dominate Opening Moments
The day began with lawmakers paying homage to nine individuals, including public figures, artists, and army personnel who passed away recently. The House acknowledged the cultural impact of Bhalla and Ahuja—both widely celebrated in Punjabi entertainment—and paused to remember those lost during and after the floods.
Session Format: No Question Hour, But Zero Hour to Continue
This four-day session deviates from the usual format, with the Question Hour suspended to prioritize flood-related discussions. However, Zero Hour will still be observed, allowing members to raise urgent public concerns.
A key focus of the session will be a detailed debate on relief and rehabilitation efforts, following one of the worst natural disasters the state has witnessed since 1987. As per official data, over 2,565 villages were submerged, impacting nearly 3.9 lakh people. The floods resulted in 57 confirmed deaths, with four persons still unaccounted for.
Flood Relief Fund Sparks Political Clash
The financial handling of flood relief is already a contentious issue. While the Punjab government has declared the state as disaster-affected, the Centre has disbursed ₹1,600 crore as part of its relief efforts. However, central authorities have pointed out that Punjab already has ₹12,000 crore available in its State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), questioning the state’s demand for additional assistance.
This is likely to become a flashpoint during the session, as the opposition is preparing to challenge the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government on its handling of the crisis, particularly around resource allocation, relief distribution, and flood preparedness.
