23.18°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

BCJul 13, 2026

45-year-old man feared drowned in Okanagan Lake after falling from inflatable tube

A 45-year-old man is feared drowned after falling into Okanagan Lake while riding an inflatable tube being towed behind a boat, according to West Kelowna RCMP. Police said the incident happened Saturday afternoon when the man lost his balance and fell into the water. Investigators said he was not wearing a life jacket and struggled to stay afloat after entering the lake. According to RCMP, the boat operator jumped into the water in an attempt to rescue the man but was unable to reach him. The operator was later rescued by another boater who was passing through the area. A dive team has been de
calgary-landlord-charged-after-alleged-hidden-cameras-found-in-tenants-bedrooms-and-bathrooms
AlbertaJul 13, 2026

Calgary landlord charged after alleged hidden cameras found in tenants' bedrooms and bathrooms

Calgary police have charged a 41-year-old landlord after tenants allegedly discovered hidden cameras inside bedrooms and bathrooms at a southwest Calgary home. According to the Calgary Police Service, a tenant reported on June 7 finding a small camera concealed inside a surge protector in a bathroom and another camera attached to a smoke detector in a bedroom. After informing other tenants, they also located similar hidden cameras in their rooms and contacted police. Investigators executed a search warrant on June 12 at a home in the 200 block of Springborough Way S.W., where they seized sever
vancouver-police-seek-witnesses-after-unprovoked-assault-at-marpole-bus-stop
BCJul 13, 2026

Vancouver police seek witnesses after unprovoked assault at Marpole bus stop

Vancouver Police are asking the public for information after a man was allegedly assaulted without provocation while waiting at a bus stop in the Marpole neighbourhood last week. According to a Vancouver Police Department news release, the incident occurred at about 9:25 a.m. on July 7 near Southwest Marine Drive and Ash Street. Investigators say the victim was waiting for a bus when a man approached from behind, pushed him and pulled the headphones from his head. Police allege the suspect then struck the victim several times with a longboard-style skateboard. The victim was able to flee the a
nearly-150-residents-displaced-after-apartment-fire-in-new-westminster
BCJul 13, 2026

Nearly 150 residents displaced after apartment fire in New Westminster

Nearly 150 residents were displaced after a fire damaged an apartment building in New Westminster on Friday, with firefighters continuing suppression efforts through the weekend to extinguish remaining hot spots. According to New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services, crews responded to a fire at Pinecrest Manor, located at 905 Fourth Ave., at about 1:30 p.m. Firefighters used ladders to rescue several residents from their balconies as the blaze spread through the building. Officials said the roof above the main entrance was destroyed, and part of the structure collapsed. Mayor Patrick Johnston
alberta-ottawa-and-major-oil-producers-sign-mou-to-advance-pathways-carbon-capture-project
AlbertaJul 13, 2026

Alberta, Ottawa and major oil producers sign MOU to advance Pathways carbon capture project

The Alberta government, the federal government and five major oil producers have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance the multi-billion-dollar Pathways Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project, according to the governments involved. The agreement outlines a framework for collaboration on one of Canada's largest proposed carbon capture initiatives. According to the Alberta government, the MOU establishes shared objectives aimed at supporting Canada's economy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The project is designed to capture carbon dioxide from industrial operations and

Related News