Seeking breath analyser and dope tests for all members, including Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, chaos erupted in the Assembly during a special session on International Labour Day. The main Opposition Congress MLAs walked out after heated debates with the ruling benches over conduct in the House. Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa called for alcohol tests on all MLAs following allegations of the Chief Minister being intoxicated during the session.
The Congress raised concerns about the behavior and physical state of members during proceedings, emphasizing the need for medical verification to ensure transparency and accountability in the House. Tensions escalated as Congress MLAs demanded an “alcometer” test for all legislators, leading to further disruptions within the Assembly complex. Heated arguments ensued, with blame placed on the Opposition for disrupting proceedings and undermining the dignity of the House.
Amidst the turmoil, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann objected to the conduct of Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira, triggering more disruptions and heated exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches. Finance Minister Harpal Cheema refuted the allegations of the Chief Minister being drunk, citing a previous complaint against Khaira for encroaching upon Panchayat land as the reason behind the Opposition’s accusations.
In response to the incident, Leader of Opposition Bajwa, on behalf of the Congress Legislative Party, highlighted concerns about the Chief Minister’s conduct and called for mandatory alcohol and dope testing of all members present in the House. Shiromani Akali Dal condemned the Chief Minister’s behavior, alleging that he appeared drunk in the Vidhan Sabha on Labour Day and demanded a dope test. State BJP President Ashwani Sharma criticized Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s behavior during the special session, emphasizing the need for respect and dignity in the legislative Assembly.
