New Delhi: Two Members of Parliament from Punjab, from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress, on Thursday criticised the government for dropping the question hour from the upcoming monsoon session, terming it as "undeclared emergency".
Congress MP from Amritsar Gurjeet Singh Aujla termed the move as an undeclared emergency and an attack on democracy.
"Banks, policemen, medical staff are working round the clock, but the government has dropped question hour and decreased the tenure of zero hour 'in view of pandemic'. This is nothing but an excuse to escape from answering questions on migrants, economy and the border issues," he said.
Echoing similar views, AAP MP from Sangrur Bhagwant Mann also termed the move as an undeclared emergency, calling it unfortunate for democracy.
Though Mann accused the Centre of trying to shield itself from questions, he also hit out at the Congress government in Punjab for calling a one-day state Assembly session.
"In Punjab, Congress is in majority. They called Assembly session for few hours and didn't allow some AAP MLAs in session despite them being tested negative. Congress is not different from BJP. When Congress is in majority it takes similar decisions. In the state they are calling one day session and not allowing MLAs to speak whereas at the Centre they are protesting against dropping the question hour," he said.
Read: Centre snatching MP's right by suspending Question Hour, says Sachin Pilot
The Monsoon Session of the Parliament, which was delayed due to the pandemic, will commence on September 14 and will end on October 1. It will have 18 sittings including Saturdays and Sundays. The session will have staggered timings to accommodate members of one house in both chambers and will follow strict physical distancing norms.
