After BJP, Akali Dal boycotts CM Mann’s invite for debate on SYL issue

After BJP, Akali Dal will boycott the debate organized by Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann on November 1st. Punjab CM Mann had challenged all opposition parties to come on one platform and have a debate on issues related to Punjab.

Earlier, Tagore Theatre was to be booked by the Punjab Government, however, Tagore Theatre rejected the appeal for booking the venue. Therefore, the Punjab Government shifted the Venue to Punjab Agricultural University.

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 had given evidence of being against Punjab and in favour of Haryana and he didn’t stand with the people of Punjab.

Five days ago, an invitation was extended for the debate to all parties in Punjab. 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 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 have decided to boycott the debate.