Punjab Assembly: SAD Excluded From Business Advisory Committee For First Time

The political landscape of Punjab is witnessing a significant shift as the state prepares for the upcoming monsoon session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly. In a development that has sent ripples through the political circles, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has been excluded from the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) for the first time in its history. This exclusion comes just days before the session is scheduled to commence on 3 August 2026 and conclude on 10 August 2026. The Business Advisory Committee is a crucial body within the assembly as it's responsible for determining the duration of the session and deciding the specific business and legislative agenda to be taken up each day.

Composition of the New Business Advisory Committee

The newly formed five-member Business Advisory Committee for this session includes representatives from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Indian National Congress, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). According to the official details, the committee comprises three members from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party. Representing the opposition, the Leader of the Opposition (LOP) Pratap Singh Bajwa from the Congress party has been included, while Also, Ashwani Kumar Sharma from the Bharatiya Janata Party has also secured a place in the committee. However, the absence of any legislator from the Shiromani Akali Dal marks a historic departure from established norms, as the party has traditionally always had a presence in this decision-making body.

Historical Context and Impact on SAD

For the past 4 years, Manpreet Singh Ayali had been representing the Shiromani Akali Dal as a member of this committee. His consistent presence ensured that the party had a voice in scheduling and prioritizing legislative matters. However, in the committee constituted for the second time this year by the Assembly Speaker, no MLA from the Akali Dal was selected. This development is being viewed as a major setback for the party, especially as it comes ahead of the assembly elections, while the exclusion means that for the first time, the Akali Dal won't have a direct role in the committee that ensures how many days the assembly proceedings will last and what business will be conducted on which day.

Key Issues and Legislative Agenda

The monsoon session, running from 3 August 2026 to 10 August 2026, is expected to be stormy. Several critical issues are slated for discussion, including amendments to the sacrilege law, the prevailing law and order situation in the state, and various new bills and ordinances aimed at public interest. The amendments to the sacrilege law are particularly sensitive and are expected to trigger intense debates and potential disruptions within the house. The government aims to pass several new bills during this period, making the role of the BAC even more significant in managing the limited time available.

Intervention by the Akal Takht

Adding to the gravity of the upcoming session, the Akal Takht has intervened by sending a formal letter to the Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and all Sikh MLAs on Friday. The letter serves as an appeal to the legislators to uphold their religious obligations. Specifically, it mentions the Jagat Jot Shri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026. The Akal Takht has urged the Sikh MLAs to ensure that any changes or amendments to this act are only permitted if they align strictly with the sentiments of the Sikh community and the directives issued by the Akal Takht. This religious directive is likely to influence the stance of many legislators during the discussions on the amendment act in the assembly.