Tensions are escalating in the political landscape of Punjab as the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, prepares for a high-level debate scheduled for November 1, observed as ‘Punjab Day’. While the aim of the debate is to address the state’s critical issues, the opposition parties are expressing doubts about its fairness and are imposing one condition or the other on their participation.

Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar criticized the debate initiated by the Chief Minister branding it as a “gimmick”. Jakhar stressed that a genuine discussion should occur in an open environment, allowing the people of Punjab to participate and observe the proceedings. He accused Mann of following AAP’s tradition of holding debates in closed halls and criticized the predominant presence of officers and media from Delhi, undermining Punjab's representation.

Jakhar also condemned the AAP Government’s decision to seal the city on November 1 for the debate, raising concerns about its adverse impact on academics and suggesting it was an inappropriate approach to address Punjab’s issues.

Punjab BJJP chief’s criticism was not limited to the debate's logistics. He argued that the AAP Government, from day one, has been employing “tactics of deception and distraction” to divert public attention and mislead the people.

At the same time, the Leader of Opposition in Punjab Vidhan Sabha Partap Singh Bajwa highlighted how the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana, the venue for the debate, is being transformed into a police cantonment, raising his concerns about the event’s neutrality and fairness. Senior Congress leader Bajwa expressed doubts about the impartial conduct of the debate, questioning the heavy police deployment.

Bajwa claimed that nearly 1,000 Punjab Police officials, including eight SSPs, four DIGs, and two present DGs, had been assigned to the debate's security. He questioned the necessity of such an extensive police presence and advised the Chief Minister Mann to reduce his own security detail during the event.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) also voiced its opinion on the debate, suggesting a more focused approach. It urged the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to decide the modalities and agenda for the proposed November 1 debate by holding a meeting with the representatives of all political parties. Also, the Akali Dal called for limiting the debate’s scope to the contentious Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue to unite the State in preventing the loot of its river waters.

Senior SAD leaders — Balwinder Singh Bhundur, Prem Singh Chandumajra, and Daljit Singh Cheema, addressing the media, emphasized the importance of finalizing the debate's modalities, including the participation of all major political parties, impartial hosting, and a joint declaration on behalf of all participants.

SAD proposed that the debate should focus solely on discussing the SYL canal issue to find a united solution to safeguard Punjab’s river waters. The party stressed that its goal was not political confrontation but to strategize against the Supreme Court’s order, which has deferred the discussion on river water distribution and mandated the completion of the SYL canal.

Akali leaders also clarified their willingness to participate in a debate on all issues concerning Punjab at a later date but urged the Chief Minister Mann to finalize the modalities for the SYL canal issue debate promptly.

Govt Criticizes Opposition for Avoiding Debate

Ahead of the highly-anticipated debate on Punjab Day, Punjab’s Agricultural Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian has criticized the opposition parties for their reluctance to participate in the discussion. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had invited the opposition party leaders to join the debate to address the critical issues concerning the State, scheduled for November 1.

Khuddian accused the opposition parties of evading the debate by using the excuse of not receiving formal invitations. He highlighted that the debate was open to all, and the opposition had a fair opportunity to present their views.

“The Opposition’s excuse of not receiving a formal invitation is baseless. The invitation is open, and they have every chance to participate in the debate,” he said, adding that the Chief Minister had previously announced his intentions to discuss issues ranging from water-related matters to toll plazas and the actions of previous governments. Therefore, opposition parties had an open invitation to partake in the discussion.

At the same time, the Minister praised the impartiality demonstrated by AAP in handling the responsibilities entrusted to them by the people. He urged the Opposition to provide constructive criticism rather than consistently opposing government initiatives.