Chandigarh: Punjab's Chief Minister, Bhagwant Singh Mann, has thrown down the gauntlet, daring BJP's Sunil Jakhar, Akali Dal's Sukhbir Singh Badal, and Congress leaders Partap Singh Bajwa and Amarinder Singh Raja Warring to an open debate on the pressing issues confronting the state, slated for Punjab Day on November 1.
In a recent statement, Mann pulled no punches, asserting that these leaders bore the weight of Punjab's suffering, accusing them of betraying both the state and its people.
He held them accountable for alleged sins committed against Punjab, asserting that the people of the state would never forget or forgive their transgressions.
Mann declared his intention to expose these leaders for their perceived misdeeds during the upcoming debate, warning them to come prepared.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the debate would revolve around key topics such as the alleged looting of Punjab, nepotism, favoritism, the thorny issue of toll plazas, concerns of the youth, challenges in agriculture, the welfare of trade and shopkeepers, the sanctity of Gurbani, the contentious matter of river waters, and other pressing issues.
According to Mann, these leaders have deceived Punjab on these matters and must answer to the state's people. He boldly dared them to step into the arena of an open debate before both Punjabis and the media.
Mann extended a gracious window of preparation time for these leaders, suggesting that they could compile as many notes as they needed to mount their defense.
However, he made it clear that he would rely on the truth, needing no scripted assistance, and would enter the debate without any written material.
Mann challenged his rivals to engage in as much preparation as they saw fit because, ultimately, he vowed to lay bare all their alleged wrongdoings during the showdown on November 1.
