The Punjab Assembly witnessed heated scenes as opposition MLAs from the Congress and the BJP demanded action on illegal mining and alleged police complicity in gangster-run extortion rackets. The Congress members, led by CLP leader Partap Bajwa, stormed the Well of the House and staged a walkout after being denied the chance to speak on these issues.
Opposition demands action on illegal mining in Punjab
BJP MLA Ashwani Kumar raised the issue of illegal mining in the Ravi river during the session. He also alleged that ruling party MLAs had threatened a media house that had highlighted the menace. The opposition pressed for concrete steps rather than just assurances.
According to The Tribune, the illegal mining issue was also raised by other members, with the Chief Minister assuring action on the matter.
Congress walkout over denied speaking opportunity
The situation escalated when CLP leader Partap Bajwa was allegedly denied permission to speak on illegal mining and gangster-related activities. In response, Congress MLAs moved to the Well of the House and later walked out in protest.
Bajwa demanded the formation of a committee to visit all illegal mining sites across the state. He argued that a ground-level assessment was necessary to understand the scale of the problem and take corrective measures.
"Demand for a committee to visit all illegal mining sites." — CLP leader Partap Bajwa, as reported in the Punjab Assembly session
Minister blames Centre for mining revenue limits
Water Resources Minister Barinder Goyal responded to the opposition's charges by blaming the Centre for not allowing the state to increase revenue from mineral extraction. He suggested that the state's hands were tied by central policies on mining revenue.
The opposition, however, rejected this explanation and maintained that the state government must take direct responsibility for curbing illegal mining and addressing allegations of police complicity in extortion rackets run by gangsters.
Our Take: Accountability is the real issue in Punjab Assembly
To put it plainly, the scenes in the Punjab Assembly show a pattern that voters see too often — opposition raises serious charges, the ruling side deflects, and the real issues get buried in procedural fights. The allegations here are not small: illegal mining in rivers and police links to gangster extortion are matters of public safety and governance.
In our view, the demand for a committee to inspect mining sites is reasonable. But committees only work if they are allowed to function independently and if their findings lead to action. Similarly, the charge of police complicity in extortion rackets cannot be brushed aside with blame on the Centre. The state government must clarify its position clearly and investigate the allegations transparently.
For the people of Punjab, this is not just a political clash. It is about whether their rivers are being exploited illegally and whether law enforcement is protecting them or enabling criminals. The Assembly must move beyond walkouts and blame games to deliver answers.
