Mann, along with AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal and all elected MLAs, led a roadshow today in Amritsar to thank voters.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Prime Minister candidate Bhagwant Mann will be sworn in on March 16 in Khatkarkalan in Punjab. A total of 16 MLAs will be sworn in as ministers at a later date. Meanwhile, Mann, along with AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal and all elected MLAs, led a roadshow today in Amritsar to thank voters. The roadshow started from Kachehri Chowk in the city. The AAP stormed home by winning 92 seats in the 117-member Punjab Assembly.
However, amid all the political turmoil in the state, Congress today claimed that Bhagwant Mann began emptying the state government’s treasury even before he was sworn in. The Congress party today claimed that Rs 2 crore will be spent on Mann’s swearing in.
“Bhagwant Mann was eager to empty the Punjab treasury as soon as he arrived. According to sources, more than Rs 2 crore will be spent on Shri Bhagwant Mann’s oath ceremony,” the congress said.
On the other hand, the former opposition leader and congressional MLA of Bholath Sukhpal Singh Khaira today claimed that the Aam Aadmi party is no different and is using government funds for its roadshow in Amritsar.
“I thought the Aam Aadmi Party would work differently as promised, but unfortunately the first act of abusing government transport for its party rally in Amritsar today has shown that they are no different from traditional parties. This is gross misuse of the state treasury for politically motivated party promotion, which is totally unacceptable at a time when we are weighed down by a whopping debt of over 3 lac crores. I urge Arvind Kejriwal to return the money of these people to the treasury,” Khaira said.
The Punjab government yesterday ordered the withdrawal of security coverage from 122 political leaders, including former ministers and MLAs. Addressing party officials today, Mann said: “We have reduced the security of 122 people and as a result, 403 police officers and 27 police vehicles have returned to the police stations. No government office will have photos of CM, but photos of Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Babasaheb Ambedkar.”
Kejriwal and Mann also paid floral tribute at the memorial of Jallianwala Bagh and prayed at the Durgiana Mandir and the Sri Ram Tirath Mandir.