CHANDIGARH, Dec 30: The special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha began Monday with members paying tributes to the four Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh, setting a solemn tone before the House moved toward a politically charged discussion on rural employment policy.
AAP MLA Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar recalled the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas, calling their sacrifice a defining moment in Sikh history. Congress MLA Rana Gurjit Singh objected to what he described as distortions in historical narrative.
“They are not ‘Bal Veer.’ They are our Babas,” Rana Gurjit Singh said. “I urge this House to pass a resolution that such misrepresentation of Sikh history should not be allowed.”
AAP MLA Manwinder Singh Giaspura and BSP MLA Nachattar Pal also spoke during the tribute proceedings, stressing the need to preserve historical accuracy and collective memory.
Following the tributes, Giaspura arrived in the Assembly carrying petitions signed by rural labourers. He said the documents reflected growing distress over changes to the national rural employment scheme.
“These petitions speak of fear and uncertainty,” Giaspura said. “Labourers are asking how their hearths will remain lit if the employment guarantee is taken away.”
The petitions were submitted as the House prepared to debate changes to MGNREGA and the Centre’s proposed VB G RAM G framework, which opposition parties allege has weakened the legal right to work.
The session is expected to see sharp exchanges as legislators balance legislative business with emotive cultural and economic issues that continue to shape political discourse in the state.
