The Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday passed a resolution affirming the continuation of public welfare schemes and direct financial assistance, even as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government sought to make it a political issue and targeted the Opposition parties over alleged opposition to such benefits ahead of the 2017 Assembly elections.

Moved by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on the last day of the Assembly session, the resolution expressed concern over statements attributed to Congress and SAD leaders favouring the withdrawal of existing welfare schemes. It called on all political parties to make their positions clear to the people of Punjab.

Cheema argued that public spending on welfare should not be dismissed as wasteful expenditure. “State’s resources must be used to improve people’s lives through financial assistance, healthcare and relief from household expenses.…