‘Won’t use state govt helicopter anymore”, says miffed Punjab Governor

Chandigarh: Miffed over Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s “derogatory” remarks in the Assembly, Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Wednesday said he will not use the state government helicopter anymore. The governor hit back at Mann at a press conference held at Raj Bhavan on Wednesday evening, the latest exchange in the ongoing tussle between the two.

The governor said that Mann may enjoy protection as a member while speaking in the assembly, but outside it, if he uses “derogatory language then my legal team is there to take care of it and he will face the music.”

On Tuesday, the Aam Aadmi Party-dominated House passed a bill replacing the governor with the chief minister as the chancellor of the state-run universities.

Asked about the development, Purohit replied, “One thing I may tell you, I have all the powers. As a Governor, I have tremendous powers, I need not be a Chancellor to rectify things.”

On the two-day assembly session which concluded on Tuesday, Purohit said he will get it examined whether it was as per constitution as no agenda was given.

During the debate in the assembly, Mann had also brought up the use of the state helicopter by the governor.

“He takes my helicopter, a government helicopter, and then abuses me… I don’t think so much interference is needed. His duty is to administer an oath… It does not mean he will create trouble for every small thing,” Mann had said. ( (Feature image credit -Tribune India)