Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann dares Opposition leaders Sunil Jakhar, Sukhbir Badal, Raja Warring for open debate

Sanjeev Singh Bariana

Chandigarh, October 8

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday dared the BJP, Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal presidents to come for an open debate on November 1 on issues pertaining to the state.

CM Mann said: ‘It’s my open invitation to Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar, SAD president Sukhbir Badal and Punjab Congress chief Raja Warring that instead of squabbling daily over different issues, let us debate in front of media and Punjab residents.”

“Let us debate on who looted Punjab, and issues relating to brothers, nephews, brothers-in-law, friends, toll plazas, youth, farmers, businesses, shopkeepers and canal waters…Let us have a live debate. November 1 being Punjab Day will be best suited. You will get enough time to prepare for your arguments. I am already fully prepared,” Mann posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Meanwhile, Sunil Jakhar took to ‘X’ to reply to Mann’s challenge. He said, “We are ready for the debate anytime; however, first tell us under what pressure, or for which political interests you compromised on interests of the state on the SYL issue.”

The Mann Government has been facing criticism from the Opposition parties over the SYL issue.

Reacting to Mann’s tweet, Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa said: “Such a debate should not be held at any government institution (Vidhan Sabha) but at a common open space. The debate should be held under the chairmanship of a retired Supreme Court judge or a personality acceptable to all political parties.”

PPCC chief Raja warring asked the Chief Minister to answer all questions in the interest of a productive debate. The people of Punjab must be made aware of the facts and the current situation prevailing in the state, he said.

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal also accepted Mann’s challenge. “Bhagwant Mann your challenge is accepted. November 1 is still far away. I am coming to your residence in Chandigarh on October 10…,” Sukhbir posted on X in Punjabi.

Badal has announced that the Shiromani Akali Dal will “gherao” Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s official residence over the SYL canal issue on October 10.