Punjab CM says opposition leaders running away from Nov 1 debate
Chandigarh (PTI)L: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Sunday accused the opposition party leaders of running away from the November 1 open debate out of fear of being exposed for their "misdeeds."
In a lighter vein, he said the leaders, should they choose to come, will be welcomed by drinks of their choice.
"Their favourite refreshments, like diet coke and pizza for Sukhbir Badal, black coffee for Bajwa, a glass of kinnow juice for Jakhar and tea for Warring," Mann said.
A few days ago, Mann had dared Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar, Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, leader of opposition in Punjab assembly Partap Singh Bajwa, and SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal for an open debate on several issues concerning the state.
The challenge was thrown by him amid opposition parties' criticism of his government over the Sutlej Yamuna Link canal issue.
The debate is scheduled to be held in the auditorium of the Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana on November 1.
Addressing a gathering here after giving appointment letters to new recruits hired across several government departments, Mann alleged that the opposition leaders were hand-in glove with those who ruined the state and that is why they are running away from the debate.
"Not only the SYL (Sutlej Yamuna Link canal), I want to debate on all issues related to Punjab. How farming turned into a loss making occupation. How the water was taken from our rivers. How the drug nexus spread. How our business migrated to other states and how our youth started moving out to other countries," he said.
"But they are making excuses They will not come because they cannot speak the truth," Mann said, adding, he will go to the debate.
Shiromani Akali Dal has already stated that the debate announced by the ruling AAP was "sham" and the party would not be part of this "anti-Punjab exercise."
Jakhar has suggested that a three-member panel be formed to steer the debate and proposed the names of former MP Dharamvira Gandhi, former MLA H S Phoolka, and Kanwar Sandhu.
Bajwa demanded that the debate be moderated by a retired judge of the Supreme Court or a person on whom political parties agree.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
AIITA welcomes Karnataka’s ban on obscene songs in school events
Bhatkal: The Karnataka unit of the All India Ideal Teachers Association (AIITA) has welcomed the Karnataka government’s decision to strictly ban school children from dancing to obscene songs during educational and cultural programmes in government, aided, and private schools across the state.
AIITA Karnataka State President M. R. Manvi congratulated the government for taking what he termed an important step to preserve the sanctity of education.
“Such decisions to safeguard the dignity of school children and uphold the values of education are the need of the hour. This rule should not be limited to government schools alone but must be strictly implemented in all private educational institutions as well,” he said.
He further urged the government to address other concerns within school programmes.
“The government should not only prohibit obscene dances in the name of school anniversaries, but also ensure that plays and dialogues that incite religious hatred are avoided. Schools should be centres of harmony, not platforms for spreading hatred,” he added.
According to a recent circular issued by the Department of School Education and Literacy, obscene dances are adversely affecting the mental health and moral values of students.
In this regard, schools have been advised to use songs that promote nationalism, positive thinking, the greatness of Kannada culture, and value-based traditions instead of inappropriate content during programmes.
The circular also emphasises that students should be dressed in decent attire.
AIITA also backed the department’s warning that disciplinary action would be taken against head teachers if such guidelines are violated. The association has further demanded that district Deputy Directors of Public Instruction strictly monitor the implementation of these rules.
