Government News
What is the reason behind Punjab Governor Kataria's abrupt praise of the Bhagwant Mann government in contrast to cooperation
By Kajal Sharma - 09 Mar 2026 05:58 PM
The Punjab Assembly's budget session began earlier this week when Governor Gulab Chand Kataria gave a speech that mainly commended the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's performance, despite opposition protests interfering with Assembly business and the governor's own anti-drug march weeks prior continuing to garner political attention.In sharp contrast to his predecessor, Banwarilal Purohit, who had multiple run-ins with the Punjab government, Kataria praises the initiatives of the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government. The government drafts the governor's address, which summarizes their accomplishments.Governors Thaawar Chand Gehlot and R N Ravi, who has since been named governor of West Bengal, have recently omitted portions of their speeches that commended the state governments in states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, where the governors are perceived to have a tumultuous relationship with the state government.Mann's AAP government and Purohit had a number of issues between 2022 and 2024. One such disagreement occurred in early 2023 when the Governor first refused to approve the Budget session, which forced the state government to petition the Supreme Court.However, Kataria's 51-page speech on March 6 detailed the state government's efforts in a number of areas, including welfare programs, infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and anti-drug campaigns.The extension of Aam Aadmi Clinics throughout the state was one of the efforts that were emphasized. According to the governor, hundreds of clinics are currently in operation and have given locals crores of free consultations and medications.
The speech also mentioned the government's "Yudh Nashean Virudh" anti-drug program, which includes outpatient opioid-assisted treatment clinics and de-addiction centers for drug addicts' rehabilitation.In order to improve government education, Kataria mentioned hiring thousands of instructors and creating Schools of Eminence. The address also mentioned road infrastructure upgrades, irrigation facilities, 300 units of free power for the majority of homes, and farmer welfare programs including increased sugarcane prices.Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa and other Congress lawmakers frequently interrupted the speech by shouting slogans about things like law and order. Assuring the lawmakers that they could voice their objections during the discussion later, Kataria pleaded with them to let him finish the constitutional address first. Congress MLAs eventually organized a walkout as the protests persisted. Following the speech, the Governor spoke at a joint press conference with Mann, praising the Punjab government's efforts to combat drug misuse and enhance education. According to him, the Opposition ought to have let the speech end before voicing its opinions in the House so that their complaints could be legally documented.