Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann.
Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has strongly criticised Governor Banwarilal Purohit's recent letter regarding the potential imposition of President's Rule in the state.
Mann asserted that the governor's letter amounted to a threat against the peace-loving people of Punjab and underscored that the state's law and order situation is well under control.
Addressing the matter during a press interaction, Mann said, "Yesterday, the Governor threatened the peace-loving people of Punjab that he would impose President's rule. The Governor has raised questions on law and order." He further emphasised the effective governance measures undertaken by his administration, such as significant seizures of contraband and the apprehension of criminals.
Mann questioned the governor's prioritisation of certain issues, highlighting that his administration had been proactive in addressing various concerns. "The Governor wrote 16 letters to me, out of which nine letters have been answered. Soon the rest of the letters will also be answered. What is the hurry? Did the Governor ever write any letter about the RDF (Rural Development Fund) of Punjab? Did he ever ask anything on the issue of farmers?" Mann inquired, challenging the governor's stance.
He criticised the governor's motivations, suggesting that a hunger for power might be influencing his actions. "The hunger for power is visible in all the letters. The Governor comes from Nagpur but he also belongs to Rajasthan. Elections are coming there, contest elections from there and become the Chief Minister," Mann remarked.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the state's ongoing flood crisis and the challenges in accessing State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) funds due to stringent regulations. "Punjab is currently facing the brunt of floods. We have to make up for its loss one by one. We have Rs 9,600 crore of SDRF lying with us. But we cannot give it to the people due to the strict rules of the Centre," he explained.
Governor Banwarilal Purohit had earlier sent a sternly-worded letter to Chief Minister Mann, expressing concerns about the functioning of the constitutional machinery in the state and suggesting the potential recommendation of President's Rule. Purohit had urged the Chief Minister to provide the information sought in his letters to avoid further action in accordance with the Constitution and the law.
The tussle between the Chief Minister and the Governor has drawn attention to the delicate balance of power and responsibilities between state leadership and the governor's office. As the situation unfolds, the central government's intervention may be sought to address the conflict and ensure the smooth functioning of the state's governance.