4.16°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

earthquake-rattles-ottawa-area-tremor-felt-across-eastern-ontario-and-western-quebec
CanadaApr 14, 2026

Earthquake rattles Ottawa area, tremor felt across eastern Ontario and western Quebec

According to Earthquakes Canada, a magnitude 3.9 earthquake struck at approximately 12:36 p.m. Tuesday. The agency said the epicentre was located about 20 kilometres northeast of Shawville, Que. The tremor was felt across a wide area, including Ottawa, Fitzroy Harbour, Richmond and Constance Bay, as well as west toward Pembroke in Ontario and Otter Lake in western Quebec. Residents reported feeling shaking during the lunch hour. No damage details were provided in the initial information released by Earthquakes Canada. The agency continues to collect and review public reports related to the eve
IndiaApr 14, 2026

Centre amends BBMB recruitment rules, opens top posts to nationwide applicants

The central government has amended recruitment rules for the Bhakra Beas Management Board, changing eligibility criteria for two of its senior-most positions and allowing officers from across India to apply. According to amendments to the Bhakra Beas Management Board Rules, 1974, the earlier requirement mandating one officer each from Punjab and Haryana for the two key posts has been removed. The revised rules now permit appointments based on eligibility, regardless of state affiliation. Officials said the change broadens the pool of candidates for the board, which manages major water and powe
CanadaApr 14, 2026

Suspect in alleged dark web drug network extradited to Canada, faces multiple charges

A 29-year-old man accused of operating a cross-country drug trafficking network has been returned to Canada following an international investigation, according to a release from the RCMP. Federal Policing Pacific Region investigators say Isaac Oliveira Scott was extradited from Germany last week after being arrested there in February on an Interpol red notice. Police said the extradition follows a months-long effort involving international partners. According to the RCMP news release, federal prosecutors approved 11 charges against Oliveira Scott in October 2025. These include five counts of t
trump-says-u-s-iran-talks-could-resume-within-days-after-failed-round-in-pakistan
WorldApr 14, 2026

Trump says U.S.–Iran talks could resume within days after failed round in Pakistan

U.S. President Donald Trump says stalled negotiations with Iran could resume within the next two days, following an unsuccessful round of talks held in Pakistan. Speaking Tuesday, Trump indicated the next meeting is also likely to take place in Pakistan. He did not provide a confirmed date or agenda but said discussions remain ongoing. According to statements from both sides, disagreements over nuclear weapons have been the primary obstacle. Iranian officials are seeking firm guarantees that any agreement would prevent renewed military conflict or future airstrikes after a deal is reached. Ira
man-arrested-after-reported-bank-robbery-in-surreys-newton-neighbourhood
BCApr 14, 2026

Man arrested after reported bank robbery in Surrey’s Newton neighbourhood

A man is in custody following a reported bank robbery in Surrey’s Newton neighbourhood on Monday afternoon, according to a release from the Surrey Police Service. Police say frontline officers responded shortly after 4 p.m. on April 13 to reports of a robbery at a bank in the 7100 block of King George Boulevard. The suspect was reported to have fled the area on foot. According to police, officers, with assistance from the Real Time Intelligence Centre, located a suspect near 70B Avenue and 134 Street. An adult male was arrested without incident and taken into custody. Police say potential ev

Related News