'Won't bow down to threats by Guy': CM Mann hits back

Do not try to test the patience and emotions of 35 million people of Punjab, chief minister Bhagwant Mann said on Saturday, lashing out at governor Banwarilal Purohit for "threatening" to impose President's Rule in the state.

- Ravinder Vasudeva

The latest salvo in the long-running tussle between the chief minister and Raj Bhavan came a day after the governor warned the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government that he could recommend President's Rule under Article 356 in the state, and launch criminal proceedings, if his letters were not answered.

Purohit has been accusing Mann of defying his authority by not responding to the letters sent to him.

"Governor Sahab, don't try to test the patience and emotions of the Punjabis. We are not afraid of Article 356. Punjab has suffered the most in the past due to [Article] 356. So, don't rub salts on our wounds," Mann said at a press conference in Chandigarh.

Mann accused the governor of "deliberately threatening" 3.5 crore (35 million) Punjabis and trying to "make fun" of people's mandate. "The selected governor does not have any moral authority to threaten elected representatives of the people and make a malicious attempt to topple a democratically elected government," Mann said, adding that he is "not going to bow down".