Punjab Budget session begins today

At the political level, the session is being held at a time when the ruling Akali Dal has been hit by the religio-political crisis. There is no threat to the Parkash Singh Badal government but the crisis is having its repercussions at other levels. The Chief Minister is under attack for non-performance, not only by the opposition Congress but also by his own colleagues-turned-detractors.

The arrest and subsequent release on bail of former minister Mahesh Inder Singh, supporter of SGPC chief G. S. Tohra, on the eve of the session, has added a new dimension to the factional feud in the Akali Dal, which is likely to be reflected in the session.

Both the Congress and the Communist Party of India are planning their strategies to lambast the government for non-performance in all spheres.