Punjab 2023: Governor-CM conflict intensifies over 'Khalistan' scare by radical preacher
Tension escalates in Punjab 2023 as Governor and Chief Minister clash amid 'Khalistan' concerns triggered by radical Preacher Amritpal Singh
In the tumultuous landscape of Punjab in 2023, the Governor and Chief Minister found themselves in a heated standoff, exacerbated by a renewed 'Khalistan' scare triggered by radical preacher Amritpal Singh. Amid these tensions, the state faced multifaceted challenges ranging from floods devastating crops to farmers blocking highways.
Governor Purohit and Chief Minister Mann clashed over various issues, with Purohit accused of interference in the elected government's affairs. Legislative moves by the Mann government, such as the Punjab Universities Laws (Amendment) Bill and the Punjab Police (Amendment) Bill, aimed to diminish the Governor's role, further fueling the discord.
Security challenges and 'Khalistan' scare:
Security concerns loomed large as criminal activities linked to foreign-based gangsters escalated. However, the primary security threat came from pro-Khalistan preacher Amritpal Singh, leading an outfit called 'Waris Punjab De.' Singh's supporters clashed with the police, prompting a widespread crackdown, resulting in his arrest and detention under the National Security Act.
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Despite supporting the farmers' protest in 2021, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) faced criticism from farmers in Punjab. Mann, the Chief Minister, grappled with protests demanding compensation for rain damage and better crop prices. The AAP's win in the Jalandhar Lok Sabha by-election marked a shift in political dynamics, hinting at potential solo battles in the 2024 parliamentary elections.
Notable events and personalities
The year witnessed cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu's release from jail after serving a sentence in a decades-old road rage case. Concurrently, Shiromani Akali Dal patriarch Parkash Singh Badal's death marked the end of an era in Punjab politics, bringing rivals Sidhu and Badal's legacies into the spotlight.
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