2.23°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

traffic-stop-in-salmon-arm-leads-to-arrest-and-seizure-of-loaded-handgun
BCMar 13, 2026

Traffic stop in Salmon Arm leads to arrest and seizure of loaded handgun

A traffic stop by Salmon Arm RCMP on March 11 resulted in the arrest of one person and the seizure of a loaded handgun, according to a police news release. RCMP said officers conducted the stop and observed indicators consistent with suspected drug trafficking. Both the driver and passenger were arrested, and a search during the investigation led officers to locate a loaded firearm. Police said the firearm and other items were seized as evidence. The driver was later released pending further investigation. Police said charges have been approved against the passenger, identified as Kale Skjeie.
cbsa-seizes-112-kg-of-opium-at-pacific-highway-commercial-border-crossing
BCMar 13, 2026

CBSA seizes 112 kg of opium at Pacific Highway commercial border crossing

The Canada Border Services Agency says officers seized 112 kilograms of opium earlier this year after examining a commercial truck at the Pacific Highway Commercial Operations port of entry in Surrey. According to a CBSA statement, border services officers inspected the truck on Jan. 9 after observing what the agency described as an anomaly in the trailer as the driver returned to Canada from the United States. During the examination, officers found cardboard boxes that did not match the type of packaging typically used to transport produce. A detector dog team was deployed and gave a positive
conservatives-nominate-diana-filipova-for-scarborough-southwest-federal-byelection
CanadaMar 13, 2026

Conservatives nominate Diana Filipova for Scarborough Southwest federal byelection

The Conservative Party has nominated middle school teacher Diana Filipova as its candidate in the upcoming federal byelection in Scarborough Southwest. The seat became vacant after former Liberal cabinet minister Bill Blair resigned his position as member of Parliament to become Canada’s high commissioner to the United Kingdom. The byelection is scheduled for April 13. Scarborough Southwest is one of three ridings where voters will head to the polls that day. The Conservatives have now nominated candidates in all three contests. Another vote will take place in the Toronto riding of Universit
burnaby-rcmp-release-suspect-sketches-in-central-park-indecent-acts-investigation
BCMar 13, 2026

Burnaby RCMP release suspect sketches in Central Park indecent acts investigation

Burnaby RCMP are asking for the public’s help to identify two suspects linked to a series of indecent acts reported in Burnaby’s Central Park earlier this year. According to a Burnaby RCMP news release, the detachment’s High Risk Offender Unit continues to investigate five incidents reported over a five-day period in January 2026. Police said four of the incidents occurred in Central Park and involved a male suspect committing acts ranging from public nudity to masturbation. Police first alerted the public to the incidents on Jan. 23. Investigators have since produced two suspect sketche
surrey-police-charge-25-drivers-with-excessive-speeding-over-four-days-vehicles-impounded
CanadaMar 13, 2026

Surrey police charge 25 drivers with excessive speeding over four days, vehicles impounded

The Surrey Police Service says officers charged 25 drivers for excessive speeding over a four-day enforcement period in Surrey, with all vehicles impounded under provincial traffic laws. According to a police release, members of the service’s Road Safety Section conducted traffic enforcement between March 6 and March 9 and stopped multiple drivers travelling far above posted speed limits. Police reported one driver travelling 183 km/h in an 80 km/h zone who also did not have insurance. Another driver was recorded at 139 km/h in a 50 km/h zone and did not have a valid driver’s licence. Addi

Related News