Punjab CM-designate Bhagwant Mann with Governor Banwarilal Purohit. (File/ Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)Amid the ongoing confrontation between Punjab Governor Banwarlilal Purohit and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, Purohit Saturday hit back at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, schooled him about the rules of Vidhan Sabha and told him his advisers are not briefing him properly.
The Governor took to writing a letter to the CM saying, “After reading your statements in today’s newspapers, it appears to me that perhaps you are ‘too much’ angry with me. I think your legal advisors are not briefing you adequately. Perhaps your opinion about me will definitely change after reading the provisions of Article 167 and 168 of the Constitution, which I’m quoting for your ready reference.”
Quoting the Articles, he said, According to “Art 167, the duties of the Chief Minister as respects the furnishing of information to the Governor etc- It shall be the duty of the Chief Minister of each State: (a) To communicate to the Governor of the State all decisions of the council of Ministers relating to the administration of the affairs of the State and proposals for legislation; (b) To furnish such information relating to the administration of the affairs of the State and proposals for legislation as the Governor may call for; and (c)If the Governor so requires, to submit for the consideration of the council of Ministers any matter on which a decision has been taken by a Minister but which has not been considered by the council.”
Quoting from Article 168, he said, “Constitution of the Legislatures in States-(1) For every State there shall be a legislature which shall consist of the Governor, and a) In states of……two houses; b) In other states, one house.”
The Governor was referring to Mann’s tweet on Friday which said, “Gov/Presi consent before any session of Legislature is a formality. In 75 years, no Presi/Gov ever asked list of Legislative business before calling session. Legislative business is decided by BAC and speaker. Next Gov will ask all speeches also to be approved by him.its too much.(sic)”.
The CM’s statement came after the Governor asked the government about the details of legislative business it was planning to undertake in the Vidhan Sabha session.