In a fiery address that may send ripples through Punjab’s political landscape, Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Friday minced no words in his critique of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The tension between these two heavyweights has been simmering for years now, and Purohit’s latest remarks have added fuel to the fire. “Why is the Chief Minister scared of me?” Purohit questioned via media — his tone a mix of exasperation and defiance. He emphasized that his approach is merit-based and devoid of political bias, a stance that seems to have irked Mann.
Purohit did not stop there. He took a firm stand on the contentious issue of the university bill — the latest flashpoint in their ongoing tussle. Purohit asserted that Mann’s discomfort stemmed from the Governor’s role as the chancellor of all state universities, a position Mann allegedly coveted. The Bill aimed to transfer this power to the Chief Minister, but Purohit, steadfast in his principles, passed it to the President of India, who subsequently refused to sign it. Purohit suggested that the move was in the best interest of Punjab’s educational institutions and in accordance with University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines.
Purohit pointed out that 10 universities in Punjab currently lack regular Vice-Chancellors (VCs), a situation he attributed to the State Government’s reluctance to adhere to proper procedures. “The appointment of VCs requires the formation of a search committee as per UGC rules,” he explained, underscoring his commitment to transparency and meritocracy.
Border Woes: Drones and Drugs
Transitioning from the corridors of academia to the perilous border zones, Purohit highlighted the grave issue of drug smuggling via drones. Back from his three-day visits to Punjab’s border districts, he revealed alarming gaps in coordination among security agencies. “Pakistan is sending drug consignments to Punjab using drones,” he stated, underscoring the sophistication and persistence of this cross-border menace. Despite existing anti-drone measures, a significant portion of Punjab remains vulnerable, he maintained.
“This is my seventh visit to border districts to take stock of the situation. First visit observed that there was a lack of coordination. People were scared and were not coming forward to report about drugs. Local villagers are aware of the activities of each other,” he said.
To counter the same, Purohit has initiated Village Defence Committees and incentivized villagers to report suspicious activities with substantial rewards. He has also mandated regular meetings between Central and State agencies to enhance collaboration. “Coordination of all agencies is a must,” Purohit asserted, advocating for a united front against this pressing threat.
“We held meetings with all central agencies including the Army, BSF, NIA, NCRB, IB, MI and Special Bureau. We have asked to coordinate with local and state administration and state police to hold the monthly meeting with all agencies,” he added.
To bolster these efforts, Purohit also announced the allocation of funds from the Governor’s Fund to incentivize villagers. “The village that rids itself of drugs will receive Rs three lakhs from the Governor’s fund,” he declared. This initiative aimed at empowering the local communities and foster a collective effort to combat the drug crisis. The Governor also mentioned that additional funds will be directed towards expanding the anti-drone system to cover more areas of Punjab.
Governance and Public Welfare
Governor Purohit’s remarks were not confined to his clash with the Chief Minister or border security issues. He touched upon broader governance challenges, reaffirming his commitment to public welfare. Purohit declared his dedication to addressing the state’s unfinished tasks, irrespective of political affiliations. “I listen to everyone’s concerns, irrespective of the political parties they are from…I listened to the AAP leaders, Congress or SAD also,” he said.
He highlighted his extensive political experience, having contested elections eight times and won five, with a notable success rate. “I am here to serve Punjab selflessly,” Purohit stated, distancing himself from electoral politics and emphasizing his role as a public servant.
Purohit also praised some of the State Government’s actions, particularly the transfer of 10,000 police officers to tackle drug-related corruption. However, he urged for more stringent measures and consistent efforts to root out the drug menace. “The fight against drugs is not a one-time effort; it requires continuous vigilance and action,” he said.
