A) It’s a subtle test to see if Punjabis have noticed who is running the show, Mann or the Delhi command.
B) It’s groundwork for a possible leadership switch, packaged as a public feedback exercise.
C) It’s a way for the Delhi team to check whether removing Mann would create backlash or barely a ripple.
D) It’s political insurance for Mann, who can later claim that he wasn’t allowed to work, blame Delhi, not him.