Punjab assembly session commences

Chandigarh: A session of the Punjab assembly commenced here today with the House devoting the opening day to the obituary references.

Rich tributes were paid to Nawanshahr MLA Jatinder Singh Kariha who died recently, ex-MPs Lehna Singhb Tur, Daya Singh Sodhi, former minister Harbans Singh Sidhu, ex-MLAs Darshan Singh Karnail Singh, eminent writer and social worker Sheela Gujral, wife of former Prime Minister I K Gujral, legendary Punjabi playwright Gursharn Singh and various freedom fighters.
Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Leader of Opposition Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, BJP legislature party leader Tiksan Sud, Indepenedent MLA Charanjit Singh Channi made the obituary references, besides Speaker Nirmaljit Singh Kahlon.
After the obituary refernces, BJP MLA Jagish Sahni urged the Speaker to declare a holiday tommorow in view of the Ashtami festival of Navratras when the Hindus break their week-long fast.
On the Chief Minister’s intervention, the Speaker declared a holiday tomorrow.