Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann said on Saturday, that Governor Banwarilal Purohit for “threatening” to recommend imposition of President’s Rule in the state, questioned how he ‘dared’ to write such a letter and asserted that he will “not compromise" and put “Punjab’s honour at stake”.
“The threat which the Governor gave to the people of Punjab, peace-loving people of the state. I will call it a threat of imposition of the President’s Rule. I do not know how he dared to write such letter. The 3.5 crore Punjabi’s will take took of it. Punjab has suffered most in the past due to Article 356. Punjabi’s would not want it again. I am telling the Governor through Punjabi’s not to do this,” said Mann
The Governor has been accusing Mann of not responding to his letters seeking information in crucial issues, including the scourge of drugs in the state. Purohit on Friday had warned Mann that he could recommend President’s Rule in the state and also launch criminal proceedings if his letters are unanswered.
Addressing a press conference here, Mann said the Governor wrote 16 letters, out of which replies have been given to 9 and rest are being followed up. “Governor sahib, sometimes it takes time to collect information,” Mann said, while reminding that Purohit was yet to clear six bills, including two form that tenure of the previous government led by Capt Amarinder Singh, sent for Gurberantorial assent”.
Mann also raised the issue of Governor, who is also the UT Administrator, removing Punjab IPS officer Kuldeep Singh Chahal from the post of Chandigarh’s Senior Superintendent of Police. “You sent him home at 10:30pm. Do you ask us? For five months you did not appoint the SSP. Who are you advocating for? The Centre?” asked Mann.