Breathalyser tests for CM Mann sparks uproar in Assembly

A demand for breathalyser tests inside Punjab Vidhan Sabha Assembly of all legislators — including for the Chief Minister — turned Punjab’s Labour Day special session into a political flashpoint on Friday, as the Congress accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of attending proceedings in an inebriated state, triggering unprecedented scenes, a face-off in the Well of the House, repeated adjournments, and a complete Opposition walkout after the Speaker refused the request.

What began with rare bonhomie — the Chief Minister offering the Opposition extra speaking time and seeking cooperation — quickly unravelled into allegations and counter-allegations, with Congress MLAs insisting on on-the-spot alcohol testing of all members, “with doors shut”, while treasury benches pushed back, calling the charges baseless. The standoff paralysed proceedings, with both sides shouting slogans from the Well, forcing multiple adjournments and exposing a deepening political divide on the Assembly floor.

The flashpoint came during discussions on a resolution marking Labour Day, when Chief Minister Mann objected to Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira allegedly using a mobile phone and raised issues of decorum, including his sitting posture. Khaira hit back, accusing the CM of singling him out and questioning his conduct, sparking a heated exchange.