Punjab Assembly Uproar: Opposition Demands Alcohol Test on CM Bhagwant Mann
High drama unfolded in the Punjab Assembly on Friday as a heated confrontation broke out between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the opposition Congress over a demand for an alcohol test on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
The chaos erupted after the House reconvened post-lunch, with Congress MLAs storming the well and demanding that the Chief Minister undergo a breath analyser test. AAP legislators responded with counter-slogans, leading to a complete disruption of proceedings and eventual adjournment of the House.
Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa had earlier written to the Speaker, raising concerns about the Chief Minister’s conduct during the session. In his letter, Bajwa described an unspecified incident as “deeply troubling” and warned that it could undermine public trust in the Assembly if left unaddressed.
The Speaker, however, rejected the opposition’s demand for an immediate alcohol or dope test of the Chief Minister and other MLAs during the ongoing special session.
The controversy intensified after Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira flagged the issue in the House, alleging that the Chief Minister left without responding to the accusations. Bajwa subsequently called for a comprehensive dope test of all legislators “without exception.”
The ruling AAP dismissed the allegations, accusing the Congress of making baseless and frivolous claims aimed at disrupting proceedings and undermining the dignity of the House.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also weighed in, with state chief Sunil Jakhar supporting the demand for breath analyser tests for all MLAs. He argued that entering the Assembly under the influence would be disrespectful to democratic institutions and the Constitution.
The standoff highlights rising political tensions in Punjab, with both sides trading sharp accusations as the Assembly session continues amid repeated disruptions.
