Chandigarh : In an unusual turn of events, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s absence at the ‘At Home’ reception hosted by Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Independence Day has raised eyebrows and underlined the growing tensions between the two prominent figures. The event, a customary gathering of dignitaries at Punjab Raj Bhawan, witnessed the Chief Minister’s decision to skip the reception, marking a departure from the usual protocol.
Notably, sources within the political circles have pointed out that it’s a rarity for the Chief Minister of Punjab to miss this reception. In the past, former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal was known for his unwavering attendance, even as former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh often sent his wife Preneet Kaur as a representative in case of his absence.
Governor Purohit’s light-hearted remark about ceremonial cannons outside the Raj Bhawan, made in jest during a media interaction, shed some humor on the Chief Minister’s absence. The comment alluded to Mann’s earlier statement about these cannons, which he had mentioned in a speech as tools to intimidate.
The ‘At Home’ ceremony, intended to foster unity and collaboration among dignitaries from various walks of life, has inadvertently highlighted the strained relationship between the Chief Minister and the Punjab Governor. This tension has become increasingly evident with the Governor’s decision to withhold Bills passed by the Vidhan Sabha in a recent special session, citing concerns over their legal sanctity.
Governor Purohit, during his conversation with the media, emphasized that the Chief Minister’s office had acknowledged the invitation, indicating that Mann’s absence was a deliberate choice. As the event serves as a platform for political networking and relationship-building, Mann’s decision to forgo it has only fueled speculation about the ongoing discord between the two key figures. The implications of this strained relationship for Punjab’s governance and political landscape remain to be seen, as both sides continue to navigate their differences while carrying out their respective duties.
