Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann denies fissures in AAP over new AG Vinod Ghai

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 28

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today categorically denied differences between him and a senior party functionary over some key appointments and functioning of the government, calling these “malicious rumours” to tarnish the image of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). He also made it clear that senior advocate Vinod Ghai is the new Advocate General (AG) of Punjab.

SGPC objects to Vinod Ghai as AG

Amritsar: The SGPC has questioned the appointment of senior advocate Vinod Ghai as the new AG of Punjab. Harjinder Singh Dhami, SGPC president, said Ghai had been defending the Dera Sacha Sauda chief in sacrilege and other controversial cases. “His appointment cannot be accepted,” he said, demanding that the Governor must annul Ghai’s appointment. TNS

Since the resignation of Anmol Rattan Sidhu as the AG and the appointment of Ghai as his successor, the corridors of power were rife with speculations that there was a dispute between the party leadership and the CM over the choice of the new AG.

The meetings between Mann and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal in Chandigarh and Delhi this week were attributed by many, within and outside the party, as Kejriwal’s intervention to sort the matter.

Mann told the media after the Cabinet meeting today that AAP’s political rivals, who wanted to thwart party’s growth in other states, were spreading the rumours.

“The new AG, Vinod Ghai, is a reputed lawyer and will work in the interests of Punjab,” CM Mann said, laying to rest all speculations regarding “ulterior motives” behind the delay in notifying the appointment of the new AG.

Mann further said the file regarding the appointment of the new AG had already been sent to the Governor. “He is out of town and is slated to return tonight. It is only after the Governor’s approval that a notification will be issued. The legal team in the AG office will be chosen on merit, and not on anyone’s recommendation,” he added.

Sheer rumours

AAP’s political rivals, who want to thwart party’s growth in other states, are spreading the rumours. — Bhagwant Mann, CM

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