After BJP, Akali Dal will also not be a part of the debate invited by Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. Punjab CM Mann challenged all opposition parties to come on one platform and have a debate on issues. Earlier it was Tagore Theatre which was to be booked by the Punjab Government, as Tagore Theatre rejected the appeal for booking the venue, the Punjab Government moved the Venue to Punjab Agricultural University. The debate date is fixed for November 1.
Akali Dal spokesperson, Prem Singh Chandumajra, stated that Bhagwant Singh Mann weakened Punjab›s position by not speaking up for Punjab in the Supreme Court on the Satluj Yamuna Link issue, which is essential for the welfare of Punjab. He claimed that Mann›s government has given evidence of being against Punjab and in favor of Haryana. Mann did not stand with the people of Punjab.
Five days ago, an invitation was extended for the debate. Following the recent Supreme Court verdict on the SYL issue, leaders from the BJP, Akali Dal, and Congress accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and his AAP government of not properly representing Punjab›s interests, which they believe led to the court›s decision.
Subsequently, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann challenged Punjab BJP Chief Sunil Jakhar, Shiromani Akali Dal Chief Sukhbir Badal, and Punjab Congress Chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring five days ago, offering to debate them on issues related to Punjab›s interests on November 1, anywhere they choose.
Sunil Jakhar, Sukhbir Badal, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, and Pratap Singh Bajwa had initially accepted the challenge, but now BJP›s Sunil Jakhar and Akali Dal Badal has decided to boycott the debate.
