Bhagwant Mann. File photo
Chandigarh, September 1
The blame game and politics over who gave orders for dissolution of panchayats in Punjab have begun with the Opposition nailing the government over the issue after a leaked signed copy of the letter surfaced online.
The copy has signatures of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Rural Development minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, besides of the two bureaucrats.
Two IAS officers were suspended on Thursday after the Punjab government's 'U-turn' in the High Court on dissolution of panchayats. The Opposition is now questioning the government on why only officers are being punished while the minister concerned is spared.
It has also annoyed the state bureaucracy, with many anxious officers claiming that the two officers placed under suspension were only following instructions of their political bosses.
The Chief Minister’s office gave a clarification saying the CM and the minister only approved what the officers had put on the file and how could they be responsible for the actions of the officers.
Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira tweeted a copy of the letter saying : “What a shame for @BhagwantMann & @BhullarLaljit Panchayats Minister to approve dissolution of Panchayats according to official noting doing the rounds on social media and then make IAS officers scapegoats for their foolish actions. I urge the bureaucracy of Punjab not to become part of their unconstitutional designs bcoz they don’t have the courage to defend you and ultimately you’ll have to face the music later-Khaira @INCIndia @INCPunjab”
What a shame for @BhagwantMann & @BhullarLaljit Panchayats Minister to approve dissolution of Panchayats according to official noting doing the rounds on social media and then make IAS officers scapegoats for their foolish actions. I urge the bureaucracy of Punjab not to become… pic.twitter.com/ZETPGk0pWS
— Sukhpal Singh Khaira (@SukhpalKhaira) September 1, 2023
Partap Singh Bajwa tweeted: "It is shameful that @BhagwantMann who signed off on the decision to dissolve the Panchayats has tried to scapegoat two bureaucrats to protect himself and his Minister. If CM had any morals, it is he who should own moral responsibility & resign forthright !"
It is shameful that @BhagwantMann who signed off on the decision to dissolve the Panchayats has tried to scapegoat two bureaucrats to protect himself and his Minister. If CM had any morals, it is he who should own moral responsibility & resign forthright ! pic.twitter.com/BtwnR3uhKJ
— Partap Singh Bajwa (@Partap_Sbajwa) September 1, 2023
SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia wrote: "The cat is out of the bag. CM @BhagwantMann & Panchayati Raj minister @Laljitbhullar are responsible for signing & implementing the decision to dissolve panchayats six months before their term in Punjab. The file on this issue was moved by hand with the Director, Panchyati Raj & Financial Commissioner, Development forced to sign the files within two days following which both the Panchyati Raj minister & the CM signed the file on the same day. It is clear the @AAPPunjab govt is trying to make scapegoats of senior IAS officers by suspending them. The real culprits are the Panchyati Raj minister & the CM who backtracked once the Punjab & Haryana high court made it clear it was going to scrap this decision. Considering all facts, it is clear @LaljitBhullar & @BhagwantMann are responsible for killing democracy through this dictatorial decision aimed at usurping Panchyat funds. AAP Convener @ArvindKejriwal shud dismiss them immediately."
The cat is out of the bag. CM @BhagwantMann & Panchayati Raj minister @Laljitbhullar are responsible for signing & implementing the decision to dissolve panchayats six months before their term in Punjab. The file on this issue was moved by hand with the Director, Panchyati Raj &… pic.twitter.com/W6kxOaopxH
— Bikram Singh Majithia (@bsmajithia) September 1, 2023
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