The ongoing feud between Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has escalated, with the Governor threatening to send a report to the President about the "failure of constitutional mechanisms" in the state under Article 356 (President's Rule). In a letter to the Chief Minister, the Governor expressed his disappointment at the lack of response to his previous queries and warned of initiating criminal proceedings under Section 124 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deals with assaulting or overawing the President or Governor.
The governor also highlighted the issue of rampant drug abuse in Punjab, stating that he has received reports from various agencies regarding the availability and abuse of drugs in the state. He mentioned a new trend where drugs are being sold in government-controlled liquor vends and cited the sealing of 66 liquor vends in Ludhiana by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Chandigarh Police for selling drugs. The governor emphasised the breakdown of the law and order system in Punjab, with villagers taking to the streets in protest and forming their own defence committees to protect themselves from drugs.
The governor called on the chief minister to provide the necessary information and take action regarding the drug problem in the state. He warned that if the Chief Minister fails to comply, he will have no choice but to take action according to the law and the Constitution, including sending a report to the President and initiating criminal proceedings.
The ongoing feud between the governor and the chief minister has been publicly displayed in Punjab for some time now. The issues at hand, including the failure to provide information and address the drug problem, have further strained the relationship between the two leaders. The outcome of this showdown remains uncertain, but it is clear that tensions are high and decisive action may be taken in the near future.
Image Source: Twitter
© Copyright 2023. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
