13.86°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

AlbertaOct 05, 2026

Amber Alert Issued for 7-Year-Old Girl Abducted in Alberta

An Amber Alert has been issued in Valleyview, Alberta, for a 7-year-old girl who police say was abducted by her stepfather. According to Alberta Emergency Alert, Aspen Wilson, 7, was abducted from her home in Valleyview, a community in northeastern Alberta located about 350 kilometres from Edmonton. Aspen is approximately 4 feet tall, with blonde hair and blue eyes. Police are searching for 28-year-old Alexander Stone, who is described as approximately 6 feet 5 inches tall, weighing 185 pounds, with brown hair. He is believed to be travelling in a Chevrolet Venture van with Alberta licence pla
taxpayers-federation-b-c-conservatives-warn-ebys-proposed-tax-could-drive-doctors-out-of-province
BCOct 05, 2026

Taxpayers Federation, B.C. Conservatives Warn Eby’s Proposed Tax Could Drive Doctors Out of Province

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation has strongly opposed a proposed new tax from B.C. NDP Leader David Eby, warning that it could drive job creators, doctors and other professionals out of the province. B.C. Conservative Party Leader Lorne Doerkson also warned Eby about the proposed tax, saying it could push doctors out of British Columbia at a time when about 323,000 people in the province are still without a family doctor. Doerkson said doctors are already being recruited by Alberta and the United States with better opportunities, and adding another tax would give them another reason to leave
BCOct 05, 2026

47 South Asian Candidates Contest B.C. Election, More Than Half Running in Surrey

In British Columbia’s 2026 provincial election, 47 candidates of South Asian and Punjabi origin are contesting from 27 different ridings. One of the most notable aspects of this election is that more than half of these candidates are running in the Surrey area. Of the 47 candidates, 28 are representing B.C.’s two major political parties. The B.C. NDP has fielded 16 candidates, while the B.C. Conservatives have 12 candidates. The remaining candidates are running under the Centre BC, B.C. Greens, OneBC and as independents. Meanwhile, Surrey North and Surrey-Newton are the two ridings where o
WorldOct 05, 2026

Military Aircraft Carrying 32 People Crashes in Nigeria

A military aircraft carrying 32 people, including 25 passengers and seven crew members, crashed in southwestern Nigeria on Monday. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said the aircraft crashed near a naval base in Igbokoda, Ondo State. Air traffic controllers had reported losing contact with military aircraft NGR 931, which departed Benin for Lagos at 9:13 a.m. local time. The crash was confirmed after repeated attempts to establish radio contact failed. Wreckage has since been located, while search and rescue operations are underway. Authorities have not immediately confirmed any fatalities. The
canada-india-begin-fifth-round-of-trade-talks-in-ottawa
CanadaOct 05, 2026

Canada-India Begin Fifth Round of Trade Talks in Ottawa

Canada and India have begun the fifth round of trade negotiations in Ottawa, with International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu confirming that the talks got underway today. Sidhu highlighted the strength of India’s economy, saying it is growing at an annual rate of 7%. He also noted that India’s energy needs are expected to increase by up to 70% by 2035, adding that Canada could play an important role in meeting that demand. The chief negotiators from both countries are working to finalize a free trade agreement by the end of this year. The latest round of talks in Ottawa will continue unti

Related News