Punjab governor "reminds" chief minister of his duties

Chandigarh: Amid the fuming feud between the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab and Governor Banwarilal Purohit, the latter "reminded" Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of his duties on Saturday. Purohit said that Mann's legal advisors are not sufficiently briefing the latter of his duties, PTI reported.

On Friday, the fight between the two factions heightened after the Governor demanded a list of the businesses to be tabled in the proposed Assembly session on Tuesday. It infuriated CM Mann, who reacted that Governor's action was "too much".

Earlier, Purohit had stopped the state government's move to convene a special Assembly on September 22, which intended to bring a confidence motion.

Purohit wrote CM Mann on Saturday, "After reading your statements in today's newspapers, it appears to me that perhaps you are 'too much' angry with me."

"I think your legal advisors are not briefing you adequately. Perhaps, your opinion about me will definitely change after reading the provisions of Article 167 and 168 of the Constitution, which I'm quoting for your ready reference."

Article 167 defines a Chief Minister's duties towards the Governor, while Article 168 states the composition of the state legislature.

CM Mann stated his unhappiness on Friday about Governor demanding the list and said that asking for the latter's consent for Assembly sessions is a mere formality.

Mann tweeted, "Gov (Governor)/Presi (President) consent before any session of Legislature is a formality. In 75 years, no Presi/Gov ever asked list of Legislative business before calling session. Legislative business is decided by BAC (Business Advisory Committee of the House) and Speaker."

"Next Gov will ask all speeches also to be approved by him. Its too much," he added.