Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will not share the stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the latter’s programmes in Jalandhar on Friday, a decision that has sparked political discussion as it follows a similar pattern during the Prime Minister’s previous visits to the state.
According to official arrangements, Mann will receive the Prime Minister at Rajindra Park in Jalandhar in line with protocol but is not expected to attend the public events.
Cabinet Ministers Harpal Singh Cheema and Aman Arora have been assigned duties at separate locations to welcome the Prime Minister during his visit.
A senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said the public gathering in Jalandhar had been organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and therefore there was no reason for the Chief Minister to participate beyond fulfilling official protocol.
Meanwhile, Jalandhar MP and former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi is expected to receive the Prime Minister at Jalandhar Railway Station, although he is unlikely to attend the public programmes later in the day.
The events are also expected to be attended by Rajya Sabha members who were elected on the AAP ticket but later joined the BJP, adding a political dimension to the Prime Minister’s visit.
