The Punjab Assembly descended into chaos on Tuesday as opposition leaders leveled explosive allegations against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Members of the Congress party and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) disrupted proceedings, claiming that the Chief Minister was in an inebriated state while attending the session. The accusations led to a heated standoff, culminating in a walkout by opposition benches and a formal demand for medical interventions to ensure the integrity of the House.
Opposition Charges and Procedural Disruptions
The atmosphere inside the Vidhan Sabha turned volatile when opposition members began chanting slogans and questioning the Chief Minister’s physical condition. Congress MLAs alleged that Mann’s behavior was inconsistent with the decorum of the House. Following a series of verbal altercations, the Congress delegation staged a walkout, refusing to participate in further debate until their concerns were addressed by the Speaker.
The Shiromani Akali Dal joined the chorus of criticism, suggesting that such conduct undermines the sanctity of the democratic process. Leaders from both parties urged the Assembly Speaker to take immediate disciplinary action, arguing that the presence of an intoxicated member—particularly the Leader of the House—sets a dangerous precedent for Punjab’s governance.
Demands for Mandatory Medical Screening
The controversy escalated as opposition leaders moved beyond mere verbal complaints. In a strategic shift, the Congress party formally requested that all Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) undergo mandatory dope testing. They argued that such a measure would ensure transparency and hold public officials to the highest standards of conduct.
Furthermore, the opposition has called for an independent medical evaluation of Chief Minister Mann. They specifically requested that the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh conduct the assessment to ensure an unbiased result. “To maintain the dignity of this August House, it is imperative that an independent medical body verifies these claims,” a Congress spokesperson stated during the protest.
Government Response and Deadlock
While the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has dismissed these allegations as politically motivated theatrics intended to derail legislative business, the incident has highlighted the deep-seated friction within the state’s political landscape. As the session continues, the Speaker faces the difficult task of mediating between the warring factions and determining whether the opposition’s demands for medical testing will be formally entertained.
