Punjab Vidhan Sabha, on the first day of its special session, paid homage to several eminent personalities, including former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, political leaders, freedom fighters, and a renowned artist who passed away recently.
Obituary resolutions were passed in remembrance of MLA Gurpreet Singh Bassi (Goggi); former Ministers — Dharam Pal Sabharwal and Ajaib Singh Mukhmailpur; former Rajya Sabha MP Harwinder Singh Hanspal; and former MLAs — Joginder Pal Jain, Sukhwinder Singh Butter, and Bhag Singh.
The House also honoured the contributions of freedom fighters — Karnail Singh, Kikkar Singh, and Kehar Singh, as well as renowned artist Jarnail Singh. Tributes were paid to Jaspal Kaur, wife of Raikot MLA Hakam Singh, and Lal Singh, father of Nabha MLA Gurdev Singh Dev Mann.
A two-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect, following which Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan passed a resolution conveying the condolences of the House to the bereaved families. On the request of Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains, the name of Justice Kuldeep Singh was also added to the list.
Amidst the solemn proceedings, the Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa urged the Assembly to pass a resolution recommending that Dr Manmohan Singh be awarded the Bharat Ratna, the nation’s highest civilian honour, citing his pivotal role in India's economic reforms and global stature as an economist and statesman. Speaker Sandhwan assured that the proposal would be given due consideration.