'Democracy is over': Arvind Kejriwal after Punjab Guv turns down AAP govt's demand for special session

The Governor has withdrawn the order to summon a special session of the Punjab assembly on Sept 22.

Reacting sharply to the Governor's decision, Kejriwal tweeted: "How can the governor refuse a session called by the cabinet? Then democracy is over. Two days ago, the Governor gave permission for the session. When Operation Lotus started failing and the number was not completed, a call came from above asking to withdraw the permission."

In a fresh order issued on Wednesday, Purohit said the earlier order stands withdrawn in the absence of specific rules regarding summoning of the assembly for considering the confidence motion that was called by the Punjab government.

AAP leaders have been complaining of poaching attempts by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party to topple the government in Punjab, as part of what AAP and other parties claim to be BJP's "Operation Lotus".

The AAP leadership wanted to prove their majority in the house through a confidence motion in the assembly.

Commenting on the Governor's decision, Raghav Chadha, AAP leader and party in-charge for the Punjab assembly elections earlier in the day, tweeted: "Hon'ble Governor's withdrawal order raises a serious question mark on his intent. It is beyond any reasonable understanding as to why there should be any objection to a government's decision to face the assembly?"

"This order further proves the sinister design of Operation Lotus," he added.