There was a war of words between Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh.
of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann And there was a war of words between Governor Banwarilal Purohit. On Sunday, the governor said, ‘We have a government in Punjab. The orders that are given are given after my signature. The Chief Minister should behave in view of this. He did not reply to any of my 10 letters. The Supreme Court has reprimanded him, but he is not even obeying the order of the court.
Responding after the Governor’s statement, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said, first you used the word ‘My Government’, then on the opposition’s request, you started saying only Government. Governor, I do not speak without facts.
This is not the first case of war of words between the Governor and the Chief Ministers. Its cases have come to the fore in many states including Maharashtra, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Delhi. If we look at all these cases, one thing is clearly visible, the matter behind the war of words is related to rights. In such a situation, it is necessary to know that after all, how many powers does the Governor have, which becomes the reason for the war of words with the Chief Ministers and how those powers give rise to the dispute between the two.
Those constitutional situations that become the reason for the war of words
- Apart from being the constitutional head of the state, the governor is also an important link between the central and the state government. He acts as the head of the state while the real power rests with the chief minister of the state.
- Article 163 of the Constitution says that there shall be a Council of Ministers with the Chief Minister to aid and advise the Governor. If any question arises as to whether a matter is subject to the discretion of the Governor or not, the decision of the Governor shall be final.
- According to Article 167, the Governor can seek information from the Chief Minister regarding the administrative and legislative matters of the state. Many times the Chief Ministers of the states do not give that information to them. In the case of Punjab, the governor has made a similar claim. He says that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann did not reply to his letters.
- If the constitutional situation worsens in the state, then under Article 356, the Governor can recommend the imposition of President’s rule. While performing his duties as an administrator, the Governor is not bound to act on the aid and advice of the CM and the Council of Ministers.
- The Governor can dismiss the Council of Ministers if they are unable to prove majority in the State Assembly. Apart from this, the Governor can dissolve the State Legislative Assembly if the Council of Ministers loses its majority. In such a situation, the governor can appoint a caretaker government for a temporary period until a regular government is elected or formed.
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