Chandigarh

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Wednesday criticized Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria for holding a meeting with administrative secretaries, arguing it undermines the spirit of federalism and constitutes undue interference by the Centre in state matters. SAD urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to ensure better governance to prevent such central overreach.

Senior SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema expressed concerns that this new practice of Governors directly meeting state officials could lead to confusion and complicate state affairs. He noted that this could strain Centre-State relations and further hinder state autonomy.

Cheema highlighted that SAD has consistently advocated for increased state powers. He lamented recent trends where state governments, including Punjab’s, face excessive central control, resulting in withheld funds for health and education, and denied Rural Development Fund (RDF) dues. Such central interference has exacerbated issues and hindered state-specific initiatives.

Cheema stressed that there should be no parallel governments in the state, elected by the people and another appointed by the Union government. In a border state like Punjab, it is crucial that the elected government manages its own affairs without central intervention.

He also called on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, led by Bhagwant Mann, to address governance issues, such as law and order and land acquisition for express highways. Failure to do so could invite more central interference, as highlighted by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.