Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann says sent officers to Delhi for training, sparks row

Jalandhar, April 14

Facing flak from the Opposition over Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s meeting with Punjab’s top officers in his absence, CM Bhagwant Mann today said it was he who sent the officials for “training” to the national capital.

Shocking, says OPPN

Shows lack of trust in officers’ capabilities. — PS Bajwa, Cong

CM has surrendered powers to Kejriwal. — Sukhbir Badal, SAD

Will approach the Governor over issue. — Ashwani Sharma, BJP

“I had sent those officers to Delhi. For training, the same officers had gone to Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. If need be, I’ll even send them to Israel for the betterment of Punjab,” Mann told the media while defending the meeting.

Rubbishing charges that his government is being run through “remote control” from Delhi, he said he was making all the key decisions in the state. In this context, he said those questioning the government would get a “suitable answer” and state’s people a “good news” on April 16.

“I am taking all the decisions. If I like something in another state, I will send my officers there. Stalin (Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin) visited Delhi schools and even Trump’s wife came to Delhi,” he said. —