21.43°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

prince-george-man-sentenced-after-pleading-guilty-in-intimate-partner-violence-case
BCJun 02, 2026

Prince George man sentenced after pleading guilty in intimate partner violence case

A Prince George man has been sentenced after pleading guilty to multiple assault-related offences connected to intimate partner violence, according to the Prince George RCMP. Police said 47-year-old Ryan Timothy Chiappe pleaded guilty in April 2026 to two counts of assault causing bodily harm and one count of assault. The charges stemmed from an investigation launched in the fall of 2024 after a victim came forward with information regarding intimate partner violence. According to the RCMP, investigators with the Prince George Serious Crimes Unit conducted a detailed investigation with the coo
alberta-premier-danielle-smith-to-meet-quebec-counterpart-on-energy-trade-and-provincial-autonomy
AlbertaJun 02, 2026

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to meet Quebec counterpart on energy, trade and provincial autonomy

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is scheduled to meet with Quebec officials this week as discussions continue on energy development, trade, investment and provincial autonomy. Meetings planned for Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to include talks with Quebec Economic Development Minister Christine Fréchette and other provincial representatives. According to Smith's office, the discussions will focus on strengthening economic ties between provinces and exploring opportunities for greater interprovincial cooperation. Smith said Quebec may revisit discussions about developing its natural gas res
carney-defends-economic-agenda-amid-recession-debate-in-canada
CanadaJun 02, 2026

Carney Defends Economic Agenda Amid Recession Debate in Canada

Prime Minister Mark Carney acknowledged signs of weakness in the Canadian economy on Tuesday but defended the federal government's economic strategy amid criticism from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, Carney said his government is focused on building a stronger, more productive and more independent Canadian economy. He declined to describe the current situation as a recession, despite renewed debate following the release of recent economic data. According to Statistics Canada figures released last week, the Canadian economy recorded contractions in two co
punjab-women-to-begin-receiving-monthly-assistance-from-july-1-says-chief-minister-mann
IndiaJun 02, 2026

Punjab women to begin receiving monthly assistance from July 1, says Chief Minister Mann

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann says monthly payments under the state government's women-focused assistance program will begin on July 1. According to Mann, approximately 5.2 million women in Punjab are eligible for the scheme. He said nearly 3.6 million women have already been registered and will be covered as payments are rolled out. The announcement relates to the Mawan Dhiyaan Satikaar Yojana, under which the Punjab government has said women in the general category will receive ₹1,000 per month, while women from Scheduled Caste communities will receive ₹1,500 per month. Registratio
leblanc-to-meet-u-s-trade-representative-as-canada-seeks-to-advance-trade-discussions
CanadaJun 02, 2026

LeBlanc to meet U.S. trade representative as Canada seeks to advance trade discussions

Canada–U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc is scheduled to travel to Washington on Tuesday for talks with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, according to LeBlanc's office. Spokesperson Gabriel Brunet said LeBlanc will be joined by Canada's Chief Trade Negotiator, Janice Charette, for the meeting. The discussions come as Canada and the United States prepare for a mandatory review of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), the continental trade pact governing trade among the three countries. Formal trade negotiations between Ottawa and Washington have not yet begun ahead

Related News