Chandigarh, May 3
A delegation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by state president Sunil Jakhar, met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and demanded the replacement of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Jakhar alleged that the conduct of Mann during the recent Assembly session—where he reportedly appeared in an inebriated state—makes him unfit to continue leading a sensitive border state like Punjab. He said that if the law does not allow a person under the influence of alcohol to drive, then how can such a person be allowed to run a state.
Jakhar added that the party has urged the Governor to ask the ruling party leadership to select a new leader, as Bhagwant Mann has lost the moral right to remain Chief Minister. Speaking to the media, Jakhar said the party has requested the Governor to summon the Punjab Chief Secretary and ascertain whether he is working under any pressure. According to reliable sources, during the May 1 Cabinet meeting, held prior to the assembly session, apart from two ministers, the Chief Secretary was also allegedly threatened and humiliated. He said it is necessary to call officials and ensure they can work freely in accordance with the law, without fear, and assure them that the Constitution and the central government will protect them if they act within the rules.
Jakhar also said that the Assembly session held on Labour Day was merely a pretext, claiming it was actually convened by the Chief Minister to save his position. He alleged that after the session, MLA Raman Arora—who has been jailed in a corruption case—was provided police protection, which shows that the government is shielding corrupt individuals and has effectively given its MLAs a free hand to engage in corruption. He termed this a dangerous trend that must be stopped and claimed the Chief Minister is making decisions under fear and pressure of losing his chair, contrary to his oath of office.
On the issue of the drug census, Jakhar alleged that it will only defame Punjab all over the world as a state of druggies. Referring to related advertisements, he said AAP will use 250 crore allocated for this census to earn huge commission as it has become as the hallmark of this party use ad’s as a tool to make money. He further questioned what message the Chief Minister’s image would send to the youth, alleging a contradiction between anti-drug messaging and the CM’s conduct. He said this census will only defame Punjab and suggested that if such a survey is to be conducted, it should begin with the Chief Minister himself. He also questioned the very rationale of people disclosing drug use within their families and called the exercise a waste of time and money, stressing instead the need to break the drug supply chain.
To a question about change of chief minister in view of the confidence motion having been passed in the assembly that prevents a no-confidence motion from being brought again within six months. He said what would happen if a majority turns against the Chief Minister during that period. He added in view of the aforementioned cabinet meeting where two senior ministers were also rebuked and humiliated along with the Chief Secretary. He said this may eventually prompt them to act for sake of their self respect and to muster MLAs and approach the Governor to seek a change in leadership by proving majority in front of him.
Responding to a question regarding the FIR against Sandeep Pathak, Jakhar said the BJP is not afraid of such cases and alleged that the FIR was filed to intimidate members within the ruling party and prevent them from leaving. The delegation also included working president Ashwani Sharma, Vijay Sampla, Shwait Malik, Som Prakash, Fateh Jang Bajwa, Manpreet Singh Badal, Preneet Kaur, Parminder Singh Brar, Kewal Singh Dhillon, Tikshan Sood, and Vineet Joshi.
