AAP MLA appointed PAC chief to evade scrutiny: Cong

The Congress on Wednesday slammed the denial of the chairmanship of the key Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Assembly to an Opposition leader, terming it an attempt by the ruling AAP to “evade scrutiny and accountability”.

Inderbir Singh Nijjar, an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator from the Amritsar (South) constituency, was nominated to the panel by Punjab Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan.

The panel scrutinises the audit reports released annually by the Comptroller General of India (CAG).

According to convention, a leader of the main Opposition party is generally appointed to the position.

Partap Singh Bajwa, Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, said it was a long-standing tradition, respected across parties and governments. He said it ensured legislative oversight, transparency and the proper use of public funds.

“This move by the AAP government reflects a deliberate attempt to shield itself from scrutiny and avoid accountability. The PAC is not a partisan body, it is a cornerstone of responsible governance,” Bajwa said.

Former state Parliamentary Affairs Minister Brahm Mohindra said not only the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee in Parliament was also appointed from among Opposition leaders.

“When the boundaries between the legislature, executive and judiciary begin to blur, democracy itself is at risk. Each wing has a distinct role — lawmakers set policies, the executive implements them and the judiciary ensures fairness,” he said.

Mohindra said till last year, leaders of the Opposition parties were appointed to the post.

He said while Congress leader Rana Gurjit Singh was appointed the PAC chief in 2024, Sukhbinder Sarkaria was appointed in 2023 and Tript Rajinder Bajwa in 2022.

He said when the Congress was in the power in Punjab and AAP the main Opposition, it leaders Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer (2021) and Kultar Singh Sandhwa ( 2019) remained on the post.

Punjab