'Democracy Is Over': Punjab CM Mann, Kejriwal Slam Governor For Not Allowing Assembly Session

The Punjab cabinet has approved the summoning of a special session of the Assembly on September 22 to bring a confidence motion today.

New Delhi: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal slammed Punjab governor Banwarilal Purohit for withdrawing orders calling for an assembly session for a “confidence motion” called by the state government due to the "absence of specific rules" to do so.

Mann took to Twitter to criticize the Governor's move saying, "the governor not allowing the Assembly to run raises big questions on the country's democracy," Mann said in a Punjabi tweet. In fresh order, the Governor said the September 20 order stands withdrawn in absence of specific rules regarding the summoning of the assembly for considering the 'confidence motion' only called by the Punjab government.

Meanwhile, Kejriwal also reacted to the decision and said, “How can the governor refuse a session called by the cabinet? Then democracy is over. Two days ago, the governor gave permission for the session. When Operation Lotus started failing and the number was not completed, a call came from above asking to withdraw the permission,” the AAP boss wrote in Hindi on Twitter.

“This matter was examined and a legal opinion was sought from Satya Pal Jain, Additional Solicitor General of India. He has given his legal opinion that there is no specific provision regarding summoning of the Assembly for considering the 'Confidence Motion' only, in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business,” a release from the office of Principal Secretary to the Governor said.

Earlier today, the Punjab Cabinet approved the convening of a special session of the State Legislative Assembly on September 22 to move the confidence motion, as reported by PTI.

A decision in this regard was taken at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

A spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that the Cabinet has approved the recommendation, which will be sent to the Governor to convene a special session of the Assembly under Article 174 (1) of the Constitution.

Days after the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accused him of trying to topple its government in Punjab, Mann on Monday announced that a special session of the Assembly would be called. 

"The session will start with obituary references at 11 am, followed by the moving of the confidence motion in favour of the state government," he added.

(With PTI Inputs)