Punjab Minister Highlights Workers’ Role, Defends Government’s Unity in Assembly

Emphasising the critical role of workers in nation-building, Punjab Cabinet Minister and state president of the Aam Aadmi Party, Aman Arora, said that the true measure of democracy lies not in the wealth of the rich but in the dignity and well-being of the working class. He reaffirmed the Punjab government’s commitment, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, towards ensuring respect and welfare for labourers. Addressing a special session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly on the occasion of International Workers’ Day, Arora said the day should also be dedicated to remembering Dr. B.R. Ambedkar for empowering workers and securing their rights and dignity through legal protections. He noted that every road, factory, farm, and city in the country stands on the shoulders of labourers. From building infrastructure and producing food to running industries and maintaining essential services, workers form the backbone of both social progress and economic growth, he added. Arora also highlighted an initiative at his office in Sunam, where a “Seva Kendra” has been set up to ensure that labourers and common citizens can access services without unnecessary delays or repeated visits. Sharing an emotional incident from the 2022 election campaign, Arora recalled his visit to Shahpur Kalan village in the Sunam constituency. He said that elderly women working under the MGNREGA scheme stopped him during the visit. One elderly woman embraced him and handed over a worn ₹100 note, saying it was her first pension and a token of her blessings. She told him that she had never received a pension during previous governments led by the Akali Dal and Congress, but it became possible due to his efforts. Arora described the gesture as deeply meaningful, stating that while money may come and go in politics and business, the ₹100 earned through the woman’s hard work held more value for him than crores of rupees. Referring to his electoral victory from the Sunam seat by over 75,000 votes, he said he considers it not just a numerical win but the result of blessings from people like that elderly woman. Justifying the need for the confidence vote presented by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Arora stated that the government did not require it to prove its majority, as all its legislators stand united like a family. He asserted that the move was intended to counter baseless claims and “drama” by opposition parties, including the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, and BJP. Launching a sharp attack on the opposition over conducting a “mock session,” Arora remarked that a proper legislative session requires a Speaker, a government, and a functioning opposition. “With only two legislators, how can such a session be conducted?” he questioned, calling it an attempt to mislead the public. He concluded by reiterating that the Aam Aadmi Party remains fully united under the leadership of national convener Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, and remains committed to the welfare of workers and the people of Punjab.