Punjab Governor issues warning of President's Rule to AAP's Bhagwant Mann over Drug Trafficking

The friction between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab and the state's Governor, Banwarilal Purohit, has escalated as the Governor has warned Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of the potential recommendation for President's rule if official communications are not acknowledged. The ongoing tussle centers around the issue of drug trafficking in the state, with Governor Purohit demanding answers from the Chief Minister on the actions taken by the government to combat the menace.

Governor's Warning and Concerns:
In a sternly worded letter, Governor Purohit highlighted his concerns about the alarming availability and use of narcotics in Punjab. He pointed out that reports from various agencies indicate the widespread availability of narcotics, even in pharmacies and government-controlled liquor stores. The Governor referred to a recent parliamentary standing committee report that disclosed that one in five people in Punjab is addicted to drugs. Expressing his frustration over non-responsiveness to previous communications, Governor Purohit cautioned Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann about the possibility of invoking Article 356, leading to the imposition of President's rule, if necessary information is not provided.

Potential Implications and Political Backlash:
Article 356 of the Constitution of India allows for the imposition of President's rule in a state when the constitutional machinery breaks down. This involves the direct rule of the central government in the state's affairs. The potential invocation of Article 356 has sparked political reactions, with AAP leader Malvinder Singh Kang criticizing the Governor's warning as being influenced by BJP's agenda. The Governor's advisory has prompted discussions about the power dynamics between elected officials and state representatives.