Punjabs weak opposition: Kanwar Sandhu What is particularly striking in Punjab these days is the lack of a strong Opposition in Punjab. Opposition parties in the state show up only during elections or when there is a rally or a religious function. The Congress, for example, has again gone into a silence mode after the two byelections in Punjab. A lot of people have also been talking about Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) not doing enough to highlight peoples problems. In that context, it is good that the Convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab, Sucha Singh Chotepur has announced a detailed schedule of the district level meetings starting from Ferozepur and Fazilka tomorrow. These will continue for the next couple of days and culminate on October 4 in Patiala. This was long due and hopefully enable the party to have a structural base at the grassroots level. It was lack of this structure which went against the party in the two byelections in the state. Meanwhile, the AAP has also announced that it would contest the civic elections when they are announced. Though this is their own party matter, as an independent observer, I feel that the AAP should not context any polls till their party structure is in place and they have a vibrant and well thought out strategy for the state. Getting into the election mode only for the sake of fighting elections will do it no good. Similarly, the Punjab Congress should put its infighting behind and put up a united show. In a democracy, a strong opposition is as important as the party in power having a majority. SAD-BJP has the strength but the opposition does not.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 17:23:31 +0000