New Delhi/IBNS: The tussle between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab and the Governor has intensified after the latter warned of recommending the President's rule over Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann not responding to official communication.

Governor Banwarilal Purohit Friday warned Mann that he could recommend the President's rule in the state and also start criminal proceedings if his letters are not answered.

A state is brought under the direct rule of the Centre with the invocation of Article 356, usually after a report is sent by the Governor.

In his letters, the Punjab Governor raised questions on drug trafficking in the border state and asked the CM about action taken by his government.

The Governor in the letter said he has got reports from various agencies about the availability and use of narcotics, and how it has become common that they are allegedly available in pharmacies and even in government-controlled liquor stores.

The Governor quoted a recent report by the parliamentary standing committee that said one in five people in Punjab is addicted to drugs.

In his latest communication to Mann, Governor Purohit indicated he was upset over not getting any reply from him on his previous, and warned him that he could send a report to the President on the "failure of constitutional mechanism."

Purohit advised Mann to act before he takes this "final decision" under Article 356 of the Constitution, and Section 124 of the Indian Penal Code.