11.96°C Vancouver

Nov 1, 2023 6:30 PM - The Canadian Press

CM Bhagwant Mann attends open debate alone, verbally attacks empty chairs

Share On
cm-bhagwant-mann-attends-open-debate-alone-verbally-attacks-empty-chairs
BJP President Sunil Jakhar raised questions on Chief Minister Bhagwant's open debate, saying that the police did not allow the common people to enter the debate. (Photo: X/Bhagwant Mann)

The open debate on Punjab issues has been boycotted by the opposition parties.

The open debate hosted by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was held at the Dr. Manmohan Singh Auditorium of the Punjab Agricultural University, in which no leader of the opposition attended.

CM Mann directed his hand towards the empty seats and launched sharp verbal attacks on the political opponents.

He said that these leaders did not have any answers to their questions, that is why they ran away today.

Speaking during the 'I speak Punjab' debate, the Chief Minister said that these leaders could not find a single flaw against me and my government for the past 25 days, due to which they could not come before me on issues related to Punjab.

On the other hand, the leader of the opposition, Pratap Singh Bajwa, said that it is a matter of regret that the great debate has become a drama instead of a debate.

Along with this, BJP President Sunil Jakhar raised questions on Chief Minister Bhagwant's open debate, saying that the police did not allow the common people to enter the debate.

He satirized the deployment of police and said that this program was to be conducted in Police Academy Phillaur.

With this, there was no need to seal Ludhiana city and Punjabis would not have to suffer.

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Badal has also said that curfew was imposed, public entry was banned, anti-riot teams were deployed, representatives of organizations were detained and neutral media was stopped.

He wondered that what kind of "open" debate was this.

Latest news

BCOct 22, 2026

70% of Vancouver Voters Back Ban on Public Drug Use

Nearly 70% of Vancouver voters supported banning the open use of drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl in public spaces, according to a non-binding question included alongside the municipal election ballot. Meanwhile, 68% supported urging the provincial government to build a secure medical facility with more than 100 beds at the site of the former St. Paul’s Hospital for patients struggling with severe mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Both questions were added to the ballot at the request of former Mayor Ken Sim. However, newly elected Mayor Pete Fry describ
AlbertaOct 22, 2026

Two Alberta Ridings Vote in Favour of Separating from Canada

A majority of voters across Alberta supported remaining in Canada in the recent referendum. However, two provincial ridings showed majority support for moving forward with the process toward a second referendum on separation. According to unofficial results from Elections Alberta, only two of the province’s 87 electoral districts recorded majority support for advancing the process. In Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre, located north of Calgary, 51.1 per cent of voters supported the move, while 50.5 per cent in Central Peace-Notley in northwestern Alberta backed further steps toward another
AlbertaOct 22, 2026

Edmonton Allocates $23 Million to Boost Industrial Development

Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack says the city has allocated $23 million to prepare industrial land for development, making it easier for builders to establish infrastructure and get projects up and running faster. The initiative is expected to attract new investment, create jobs and increase tax revenue. Under the program, the city will spend $9 million in 2029 and $14 million in 2030. The funding will support 10 of the 33 industrial projects, with an additional $6.7 million in tax revenue expected beginning in 2030. Knack said economic development is one of the four key priorities of the city's e
melanie-joly-gives-cleveland-cliffs-15-days-to-reinstate-500-laid-off-stelco-workers
CanadaOct 22, 2026

Melanie Joly Gives Cleveland-Cliffs 15 Days to Reinstate 500 Laid-Off Stelco Workers

Canada’s Industry Minister Mélanie Joly has issued a 15-day ultimatum to Cleveland-Cliffs, the U.S. parent company of Hamilton-based steelmaker Stelco, demanding that it reinstate approximately 500 laid-off workers or face legal action. The federal government says Cleveland-Cliffs agreed not to carry out layoffs in Canada until 2029 when it acquired Stelco in 2024. However, the company has defended the job cuts by citing tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Canadian steel. Joly has warned that the government could take the matter to court, potentially forcing Cleveland-Cliffs t
CanadaOct 22, 2026

Mark Carney Appoints Astronaut Jeremy Hansen as Special Adviser on Space

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has appointed astronaut Jeremy Hansen as the government’s special adviser on space, as Canada looks to expand its space partnerships with Europe amid growing tensions with the United States. Hansen made history in April by becoming the first Canadian to travel farther into space than any other Canadian during NASA’s Artemis II mission around the Moon. In his new role, he will advise Carney and Industry Minister Mélanie Joly on Canada’s space strategy. Hansen expressed his excitement on social media, saying he looks forward to working with the governme

Related News