Following the special Punjab Vidhan Sabha session held on Labour Day, leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) launched a strong political response to the BJP, Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), stating that their actions reflect an anti-worker, anti-poor and opportunistic approach, while the AAP government continues to prioritise pro-people policies.
Senior AAP leader and Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema criticised the BJP-led Central Government over the ₹994 hike in commercial gas cylinder prices immediately after elections, stating, “₹994 hike in commercial gas cylinder prices is a direct assault on workers and small businesses.” He asserted that the decision was deliberately delayed until after polls and added that the hike would severely impact the food industry and labourers dependent on affordable meals.
Harpal Singh Cheema also targeted the Congress for walking out of the special Assembly session on labour rights, stating, “Congress walking out of special session on labour rights reflects anti-Dalit and anti-poor mindset.” He said that such conduct shows the party’s intent to evade accountability and divert attention from issues concerning workers and marginalised communities.
Raising concerns over democratic institutions, Harpal Singh Cheema stated that the BJP is weakening the Constitution drafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar and warned that policies affecting schemes like MGNREGA and attempts at horse-trading pose a serious threat to democracy. Responding to Congress’ demand for an alcohol and dope test of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, he said this was a politically motivated attempt to defame the Chief Minister amid allegations of land encroachment involving Congress leaders.
He further added that the conduct of the Congress during the session reflected a petty mindset and said that both BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal have exposed their anti-people face.
AAP Punjab State President Cabinet Minister Aman Arora criticised both BJP and Congress for their conduct during the special session, stating, “The session was convened to discuss critical pro-people issues including laws to prevent sacrilege and to uphold workers’ rights, but BJP remained absent while Congress disrupted proceedings and walked out.”
He added, “Congress has stabbed workers in the back and attempted to suppress the government’s message through chaos and baseless allegations. Their conduct on such an important day is shameful.”
AAP Punjab Chief Spokesperson and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal dismissed BJP’s attempts to create political instability, stating, “There is no internal rift within AAP and the party remains united.” He said, “BJP’s attempt to hold a parallel assembly session outside the Vidhan Sabha only reflects that they lack the numbers to function within the Assembly. They can make as many attempts as they want but they will not succeed in forming a government in Punjab.”
Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO drew a contrast between ordinary labourers and economic offenders, stating that while workers repay their loans honestly, individuals like Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi fled the country with crores. He said this highlights the integrity of the working class and exposes the failures of past systems that protected such offenders.
AAP MLA Labh Singh Ugoke stated that previous Congress ministers embezzled scholarships meant for Scheduled Caste students, alleging that funds worth crores were siphoned off. He added that the AAP government has ensured timely and direct transfer of scholarships along with welfare measures such as pensions for women.
MLA Anmol Gagan Maan reaffirmed her commitment to the party, stating that AAP has given leaders like her the opportunity to serve and grow. She expressed confidence that the party will continue to expand across the country and affirmed that its leaders remain committed till their last breath.
AAP leader and Punjab State Media In-charge Baltej Pannu criticised the BJP for organising a parallel “people’s assembly,” stating that it is a political stunt by a party that lacks representation in the Assembly. He also questioned BJP’s governance record in its ruled states, citing examples of Manipur and Uttar Pradesh, and said that BJP Punjab leaders must present the data of their governed states to the people, while asserting that Punjab is the safest state today.