CM’s replacement with Chief Secretary: Khaira lashes out at AAP, Mann, says ‘Kejriwal’s takeover of Punjab now complete’

Khaira said this decision, announced recently, marks a “historic and alarming erosion” of democratic principles, as it effectively sidelines the elected Chief Minister and hands over critical governance functions to a bureaucrat.

“For the first time in 75 years of India’s independence, an elected leader, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has been replaced by a bureaucrat in such a vital role. This is a blatant assault on Punjab’s democratic fabric and a clear indication that Arvind Kejriwal has assumed the role of de facto chief minister of Punjab. Mann has been reduced to a mere puppet, an ornamental figurehead who is being controlled by Kejriwal and his Delhi-based coterie,” he said.

Khaira pointed to the recent announcement, justified by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema as a move to accommodate Mann’s “busy schedule,” as a flimsy excuse to mask Kejriwal’s growing control over Punjab’s governance. “This is not about schedules; this is about power. Kejriwal’s takeover of Punjab is now complete, with Mann’s authority systematically dismantled. The people of Punjab voted for change, not for a Delhi-ruled colony.”.

The Congress leader further criticised the AAP for betraying the trust of Punjab’s electorate, who chose Mann as their chief minister in 2022.

“The people of Punjab elected Mann, not an unelected chief secretary or Arvind Kejriwal. By allowing Kejriwal to pull the strings, Mann has surrendered Punjab’s pride and autonomy. This is a dangerous precedent that undermines the will of the people and the sanctity of elected representation,” the Congress MLA said.

Khaira also highlighted the broader pattern of Kejriwal’s interference in Punjab’s administration, citing the appointment of non-Punjabi loyalists to key positions and the marginalisation of local AAP leaders and workers. “Kejriwal’s actions show a complete disregard for Punjab’s self-respect and its people. He is parachuting his Delhi aides into Punjab’s institutions while sidelining those who fought for AAP’s victory in the state. This is nothing short of a bureaucratic coup.”

Calling for immediate action, the MLA urged the Punjab Chief Secretary, K A P Sinha, to respect democratic norms and refrain from assuming roles that belong to elected representatives.

He also asked Mann to clarify his position and explain why he has allowed Punjab’s governance to be “outsourced” to Delhi. “If Mann cannot stand up for Punjab, he should step aside and let someone with the courage to protect our state’s interests take charge,” Khaira stated.

Khaira concluded by reaffirming his commitment to safeguarding Punjab’s democratic rights. “As an elected representative, I will not stand by while Punjab is reduced to a fiefdom of Arvind Kejriwal. We will take this fight to the people, to the Assembly, and, if necessary, to the courts. Punjab deserves transparent, accountable, and democratic governance, and we will not rest until that is restored,” he said.