Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit has delivered a sharp rebuke to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, questioning the latter’s unfounded fears about his role. “Why is the Chief Minister of Punjab apprehensive about me? I have contested and won five out of eight elections. My involvement in politics is minimal,” Purohit stated, emphasizing his non-political stance. “I engage with leaders from all political affiliations and address their concerns based on merit. It appears that the Chief Minister is uncomfortable with this approach. I will visit the state, it is my duty.”
Further intensifying his critique, Purohit added, “Chief Minister Mann is younger than my own children. He should adhere to the President’s directives concerning the Chancellor appointment for universities.” He underscored that Mann’s fears were unfounded. “There is no need for the Chief Minister to be intimidated by me. I am open to listening to every party that approaches me. The Governor should not be seen as an obstacle. I will ensure that outstanding issues are addressed.”
Turning his attention to administrative matters, Purohit highlighted that ten universities in Punjab are currently without regular Vice-Chancellors. As per University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, the appointment of Vice-Chancellors necessitates the formation of a search committee.
Addressing the media, Purohit drew attention to Punjab’s strategic sensitivity due to its proximity to the Pakistan border. “Punjab is a state of significant sensitivity due to its border with Pakistan,” he noted. He revealed that drug consignments from Pakistan have been infiltrating Punjab for the past three years, often via drones despite the sealed borders. While some of these consignments have been intercepted, others may have evaded detection.
Purohit elaborated on his ongoing efforts to monitor border districts. “This is my seventh visit to the border regions to assess the situation. Initially, there was a lack of coordination, and residents were reluctant to report drug-related issues. Nevertheless, local villagers are well aware of their surroundings,” he said.
The Governor emphasized the necessity of inter-agency collaboration. “We have convened meetings with all central agencies, including the Army, BSF, NIA, NCRB, IB, MI, and Special Bureau. We have requested enhanced coordination with local and state administrations and police, including monthly meetings with all relevant agencies,” he added.
To bolster local security, Punjab has established Village Defence Committees consisting of ten members each. The Governor has allocated funds from the Governor’s Fund to incentivize villagers who report information on drones or drug-related activities: Rs 3 lakh for the first report, Rs 2 lakh for the second, and Rs 1 lakh for the third. The issue of Pakistani drones has been brought to the attention of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Currently, 25% of Punjab’s area is equipped with an anti-drone system, with additional funding planned to extend this coverage.
Governor Purohit concluded his remarks by addressing Chief Minister Mann directly, reiterating, “CM Mann is younger than my own children. He should comply with the President’s directives regarding the Chancellor appointment for universities.”