23.16°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

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
BCJul 13, 2026

Cooler weather slows Fraser Canyon wildfires

Cooler temperatures, lighter winds and light rainfall have helped slow the Brunswick Creek and Ainslie Creek wildfires near Boston Bar in British Columbia's Fraser Canyon, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service. The B.C. Wildfire Service said firefighters continue to battle the blazes with support from helicopters. However, aerial firefighting operations were temporarily suspended on Saturday after a drone was flown in the wildfire area. Fire Information Officer Julia Caranci said the disruption created a significant safety risk during a critical stage of the response. Officials said active wi
sgpc-president-urges-prime-minister-modi-to-reopen-kartarpur-corridor
IndiaJul 13, 2026

SGPC president urges Prime Minister Modi to reopen Kartarpur Corridor

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami has written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the central government to immediately reopen the Kartarpur Corridor to Gurdwara Sri Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan. According to an SGPC statement, Dhami said the historic Sikh shrine holds deep religious significance for the global Sikh community, and devotees continue to express a strong desire to visit the site. He noted that the opening of the corridor in November 2019, during the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, fulfilled
pedestrian-critically-injured-after-collision-with-translink-bus-in-surrey
BCJul 13, 2026

Pedestrian critically injured after collision with TransLink bus in Surrey

A pedestrian was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries following a collision involving a TransLink bus in Surrey on Saturday night, according to the Surrey Police Service. Police said frontline officers responded at about 9:41 p.m. on July 11 after BC Emergency Health Services reported a seriously injured man lying on the roadway near the intersection of 128 Street and 96 Avenue. Officers found the adult pedestrian receiving emergency medical treatment at the scene. He was transported to hospital in critical condition. The TransLink bus involved in the collision remained at the scen
carney-staffer-braeden-caley-to-seek-nomination-in-b-c-byelection
BCJul 13, 2026

Carney staffer Braeden Caley to seek nomination in B.C. byelection

One of Prime Minister Mark Carney's key staffers says he'll be stepping away from his role as he considers running for a seat in Parliament. Braeden Caley, Carney’s deputy chief of staff, thanked the prime minister in a letter posted to social media for what he called "the honour of a lifetime." A forthcoming byelection in British Columbia will see the seat for North Vancouver—Capilano in Caley's home province up for grabs. The riding had been held by former cabinet minister Jonathan Wilkinson, who resigned this spring to become Canada's ambassador to the European Union. North Vancouver=Ca

Related News