SAD Criticizes Punjab Governor's Meeting with State Secretaries as Federal Overreach

The SAD condemned Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria's meeting with state secretaries, calling it a violation of federalism. SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema labeled it as direct interference by the Union government. He urged Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann to address state issues independently to avoid central interference.

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) criticized Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria's meeting with the state's administrative secretaries, describing it as a violation of federal principles enshrined in the Constitution.

Referring to the Tuesday meeting held by Kataria to review central development projects and welfare schemes, SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema said this new trend represented direct interference in the state's internal affairs by the Union government.

Kataria, on his part, stated that he aimed to act as a bridge between the Centre and the Punjab government for the state's development.

In a statement, Cheema urged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to manage state affairs effectively to avert central interference.

Cheema argued that the practice of governors holding direct meetings with state administrative officers could lead to dual commands, harming state interests and affecting Centre-state relations.

Expressing concern over recent trends, Cheema stated that state governments were increasingly being subjugated by the Centre, impairing their ability to implement state-specific schemes.

He noted that this friction has led to withholding central funds for health and education schemes and denial of rural development funds to Punjab.

Cheema emphasized that there cannot be parallel governments in Punjab—one elected and another appointed by the Union government—and that states must manage their own affairs.

He highlighted the importance of this autonomy, especially for a border state like Punjab.

Cheema urged the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to fulfill its constitutional duties and prevent opportunities for the Centre to interfere due to its inadequacies.

(With inputs from agencies.)