Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann says he Sent officials to meet Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal

Under attack from the Opposition over Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's meeting with the state's officers in his absence, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has said it was he who sent the officials for "training" to the national capital. Talking to the media in Jalandhar district, Mann asserted he is taking all decisions while rejecting the opposition charge that his government is being run through "remote control" from Delhi.

Newly elected AAP government in Punjab had come under fire from opposition parties, who had described the meeting as an interference in the state affairs and the breach of federalism.

The Punjab CM was called a "rubber stamp" by former chief minister Amarinder Singh.


"I am taking all decisions," Mann told reporters in Jalandhar while defending the meeting.

When asked that he was not present in the meeting held by Kejriwal with state officials in Delhi, Mann said, "I had sent them. For training, the same officers had gone to Gujarat and for training they had gone to Tamil Nadu. If we have to send them to Israel for Punjab's benefit, I will send them there too."

"In coming days, I will send my officers to Delhi, Gujarat, AP and TN," he said. "If I find something good in West Bengal, then I will send my officers there. If I find something good in Gujarat, I will send them there too," added Mann. He said the "good news" about which he had indicated earlier will be announced on April 16. Mann said every guarantee promised with people will be fulfilled.