A big argument started in Punjab politics on Sunday when the state BJP requested Governor Kataria to dismiss Bhagwant Mann, because they say he spoke to the Assembly on May 1st while intoxicated. They say this is a danger to governing Punjab, which is a vulnerable border state, and they want an explanation right away.
BJP presses for action after May 1 Assembly row
In a written complaint delivered in Chandigarh, the BJP said Bhagwant Mann was inebriated both inside the Vidhan Sabha (the state Assembly) and when speaking with journalists afterwards. They’re calling this a very serious break of the rules of the government, saying it disrespected the Assembly and undermined people’s faith in the way the country is ruled.
Why BJP says Punjab cannot risk lax leadership
The complaint explains that a state on the border which is dealing with both internal and external dangers needs strong discipline and alertness from those in charge. They believe many people are now feeling that the Chief Minister is frequently under the influence of alcohol during important times. Sunil Jakhar said that if being drunk stops you from driving, it should also stop you from leading a state.
He believes the party currently in power should pick a new leader, as he feels Mann has no right to continue as Chief Minister. The BJP has requested the Governor to demand an explanation from Mann and to suggest what should be done, possibly including his removal.
Memorandum to Governor: demands and next steps
In addition to demanding that someone be held accountable, the BJP asked the Governor to call the Chief Secretary (the top government official) to find out if other officials are being pressured. They say, according to people they trust, that during a Cabinet meeting on May 1st before the Assembly session, two ministers and the Chief Secretary were threatened and treated badly.
The BJP group said officials need to be certain they can do their jobs according to the law without being punished. They also brought up what they call problems with how security choices are being made, asking for clear, fair standards based on actual levels of threat instead of political motives.
The BJP summarised its request to the Governor as follows:
– Ask the Chief Minister for an immediate explanation
– Consider action up to and including removal
– Call the Chief Secretary and DGP for briefings
– Protect officials acting under the law, without fear
– Ensure objective standards for security cover
Charges of political misuse and security cover controversy
The BJP claims the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government is wrongly using its official organizations to target people who are against them. Specifically, they mention two police reports (FIRs) being filed against Sandeep Pathak, who is a member of the Rajya Sabha (the upper house of Parliament), and say these are acts of political revenge since he left the AAP.
The BJP also told the Governor about the Punjab Pollution Control Board raiding the factory of Rajinder Gupta of the Trident Group. Gupta recently switched from AAP to the BJP along with Pathak. They also questioned why the security around five Rajya Sabha members who have joined the BJP was suddenly taken away.
Key episodes flagged by the BJP included:
– Two FIRs filed against Sandeep Pathak
– PPCB raids at Rajinder Gupta’s factory
– Security cover removal for five Rajya Sabha MPs
Sunil Jakhar also said that after the Assembly session, a politician who had been in prison for corruption was given police protection. He argues this demonstrates protecting those who are corrupt and says no one involved in corruption should have security.
Drug census dispute and ad spending charge
The head of the BJP criticized the state’s planned count of drug users, saying it would make Punjab look bad to the entire world as a place full of people on drugs. He claims the AAP will use the 250 crore Rupees (roughly $30 million) set aside for this to get money from advertising and called the whole thing a waste of time and funds.
Sunil Jakhar suggested that if they are going to do a survey, it should begin with the Chief Minister. He also wonders why people would even tell the truth about their drug use to those doing the count. He said the main focus should be stopping the flow of drugs into the state, not counting the users.
Political arithmetic and what could unfold
Sunil Jakhar also expressed concerns about the rules after a vote of support for the Chief Minister in the Assembly. This rule means a vote of no confidence can’t happen for six months. He asked what would happen if most of the Assembly members turned against the Chief Minister during those six months.
Referring to what supposedly happened at the Cabinet meeting on May 1st, he said that the criticism and humiliation of ministers could lead them to get Assembly members together and go to the Governor to show they have a majority in favor of a new leader. He said this is a way allowed by the Constitution if the ruling party’s own disagreements cause a shift in power.
BJP response to FIR against Sandeep Pathak
Regarding the police report against Pathak, Jakhar said the BJP isn’t afraid of these kinds of cases. He believes the goal of the report was to scare people in the ruling party and stop more from resigning.
Who met the Governor
Sunil Jakhar led the BJP team that went to see the Governor. He was with the working president Ashwani Sharma, and other important members of the party including Manpreet Singh Badal, Preneet Kaur, Som Prakash, Vijay Sampla, Shwait Malik, Fateh Jang Bajwa, Kewal Singh Dhillon, Parminder Singh Brar, Tikshan Sood, and Vineet Joshi.
The Governor has been asked to get an explanation from the Chief Minister and to guarantee that officials can do their jobs without being pressured. The BJP says the next step, and what will happen, is now up to the Governor’s office (Raj Bhavan).
